Author: Barkha Manral

In the age of instant updates and 24/7 headlines, news in India is no longer just a source of information—it’s a full-blown experience. Over the past two weeks, as the nation held its breath through political changes, military developments and challenges, social unrest, and economic shifts, we’ve all been riding a wave of emotion. It’s in our WhatsApp groups, our dreams, our tempers, and even our health.

The news has never felt more personal.

India’s recent military developments across the border and the debate over ceasefire talks with Pakistan held center stage. But far from sober, factual coverage, most news channels made it a drama show. Screens lit up with graphics of fire-belching tanks, “war room” panels, jarring music, and hyper-nationalist analysis.

Instead of analyzing the intricacy of geopolitical events, some anchors handled it as if it were a cricket match—complete with simulated battles, retort countdowns, and bombast. Sometimes, the tone slid into satire, with panelists jeering at the other side and framing a serious military issue as primetime entertainment.

This strategy did more than manipulate facts—it inflamed emotion. Audiences weren’t merely educated; they were provoked. Reality and dramatization became indistinguishable. The outcome? ? A gratuitous increase in national apprehension. For numerous viewers at home, the cacophonous arguments and blinking statistics didn’t provide illumination—they presented discombobulation, agitation, and a profound sense of discomfort. What might have been a moment for rational public understanding became instead a boisterous, too-often derisive spectacle.

As geopolitical tensions seethed on television screens, nature produced its own breaking news. Unseasonal rains lashed cities, premature forest fires raged across Uttarakhand’s delicate ecosystems, and a merciless heatwave seared vast tracts of central and northern India. These were pivotal stories—but the manner in which they were presented left little space for reflective thought.

Prime time segments included flashing “ALERT” signs, sonic booms of music, and apocalyptic rhetoric. “Fireballs in the Hills!” or “The Heat That Can Kill!” became common headings. Rather than providing scientific background or solutions, most channels opted to maximize fear—repeating extreme imagery, bringing in generalist commentators, and excluding voices of climate scientists or local responders.

What’s happening is not only a climate crisis—it’s a crisis of how we’re taking it in. For young Indians in particular, the outcome is increasing climate anxiety: a chronic feeling of fear about the future. Media’s good-hearted urgency sometimes becomes overdrive, transforming awareness into overwhelm. In attempting to raise the alarm, the news might be paralyzing many with fear, instead of empowering them to act.

One minute, the news is hailing India’s semiconductor achievements with victory anthems and beaming studio boards. The next, it lurches into hushed speculation on inflation, job cuts, or market collapses. This sustained swinging—between patriotic pride and patriotic fear—causes emotional whiplash among viewers.

Rather than providing balanced context, most news outlets tilt into extremes. Multifaceted progress is boiled down to sensational dichotomies: “India Rising” or “Economic Meltdown,” “Vishwaguru” or “Vulnerable Giant.” And the outcome? A public moved not by reason, but by mood swings.

This type of emotionally manipulative reporting doesn’t just educate—it infects. It transmits optimism one day and terror the next. Eventually, this cycle conditions us to look at the world as precarious and threatening, even when facts could be more complicated. For most Indians, particularly younger audiences and digital natives, the news becomes less a source of clarity and more a vector for emotional churn—scroll by scroll, soundbite by soundbite.

The answer isn’t to turn off entirely—but to take a step back intentionally. Decide what you read. Counteract doomscrolling with richer, more positive reading. Track trusted sources. And above all, take a break for your mind and personal call but help the seniors of the houses to listen and stick to the right information not misleading one.

In the past fortnight, Indian media has demonstrated what a powerful tool the news is in driving not only talk, but shared sentiments; not a proud moment the NEWS Channel gave to us. It has the ability to unite, to awaken—but overwhelm as well. And as the country navigates more moment-defining times ahead, the actual test will be not merely the way events progress, but how we choose to react to them as aware, emotionally stable citizens.

Read carefully, think critically, and share responsibly.

In a landmark judgment that resonates with the pulse of our increasingly digital world, the Supreme Court of India has declared digital access a fundamental right, intrinsically linked to the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. This momentous decision, delivered on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, not only acknowledges the profound impact of technology on our lives, but also mandates the government to actively bridge the digital divide that continues to exclude significant portions of the population.

The ruling came in response to petitions filed by individuals facing severe challenges in accessing essential digital services due to their disabilities. The petitioners, including acid attack survivors with complete blindness, highlighted the discriminatory nature of digital Know Your Customer (KYC) processes that rely on features like live photographs requiring blinking – an impossible task for them.

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, unequivocally stated that in this “contemporary era, where access to essential services, governance, education, healthcare and economic opportunities is increasingly mediated through digital platforms, the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution must be reinterpreted in light of these technological realities.”  

This insightful observation underscores the reality that in today’s world, being digitally excluded often translates to being excluded from fundamental aspects of life. The Court recognized that the “digital divide,” characterized by unequal access to digital infrastructure, skills, and content, perpetuates systemic exclusion not only of persons with disabilities but also of large sections of rural populations, senior citizens, economically weaker communities, and linguistic minorities.  

In a powerful affirmation of the principle of substantive equality, the judgment emphasized that digital transformation must be inclusive and equitable, catering to the diverse needs of all citizens. The Court issued a series of crucial directives to the central government, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and other regulatory authorities, demanding a comprehensive overhaul of existing digital frameworks:

• Revision of KYC Norms: The Court specifically ordered the revision of digital KYC guidelines to ensure alternative verification methods for individuals unable to meet requirements like blinking or facial movements. This includes the development of alternative formats such as Braille and voice-enabled services.
• Universal Accessibility: The judgment mandates that all digital services, whether provided by government or private entities, must be made accessible to persons with disabilities. This includes ensuring compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and other accessibility standards.
• Alternative Verification Methods: The authorities are directed to develop and implement alternative modes to verify “liveness” during KYC processes and to continue offering paper-based KYC as an accessible option.
• Appointment of Accessibility Nodal Officers: All regulated entities are now required to appoint accessibility nodal officers to oversee and ensure compliance with the new guidelines.
• Inclusive Design and Testing: The Court stressed the importance of involving individuals with disabilities, particularly those with blindness, in the pre-launch testing phases of digital platforms and features.
• Provision of Assistive Technologies: Authorities are instructed to procure software that provides options for sign language interpretation, closed captions, and audio descriptions for visually and hearing-impaired users.  

This landmark ruling signifies a paradigm shift in how India views digital access and a closer step towards the vision of ‘Digital India‘. It is no longer merely a matter of policy discretion but a constitutional imperative. By recognizing digital access as a fundamental right, the Supreme Court has paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable digital ecosystem, ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements reach every citizen, regardless of their abilities or circumstances. This judgment is a powerful step towards bridging the digital divide and truly empowering all individuals to participate fully in the digital age.

References:
1) https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/digital-access-intrinsic-to-right-to-life-sc-rules-101746037816159.html

2) https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/digital/digital-access-part-of-fundamental-right-to-life-and-liberty-says-sc/120814631

3) https://www.boomlive.in/law/supreme-court-digital-access-fundamental-right-differently-abled-inclusivity-28463

4) https://www-ndtv-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.ndtv.com/india-news/in-landmark-order-supreme-court-says-digital-access-a-fundamental-right-8292719/amp/1

India celebrated its third Universal Acceptance (UA) Day on March 28, 2025, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Organized by the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the event focused on the theme “Connecting the Unconnected – Building a Multilingual Internet for Viksit Bharat”.

India’s Digital Landscape: A Statistical Overview

• Internet Users: As of early 2024, India had approximately 751.5 million Internet users, representing an Internet penetration rate of 52.4%.
• Rural Internet Penetration: In 2024, rural areas accounted for 55% of India’s 886 million active internet users, highlighting significant growth in rural Internet adoption.
• Literacy Rates: The overall literacy rate in India stood at 77.7% in 2021, with male literacy at 84.7% and female literacy at 70.3%.
• Linguistic Diversity: India is home to 22 officially recognized languages and a total of 121 languages and 270 mother tongues, reflecting its vast linguistic diversity.

The Imperative for Universal Acceptance

Despite the substantial number of Internet users, a significant portion of India’s population faces barriers due to language constraints. The predominance of English in digital spaces limits access for non-English speakers, particularly in rural areas where digital literacy is still developing. Universal Acceptance aims to bridge this gap by ensuring that domain names and email addresses in local languages are universally recognized and functional across all Internet-enabled applications and systems.

Despite India’s initiatives toward Universal Acceptance (UA) and multilingual Internet, the real impact on the ground remains limited. The challenge isn’t just about enabling domain names or websites in different languages—it’s about ensuring that the people who actually need it know about it and can use it effectively.

1) Awareness Gap: Do People Even Know UA Exists?

• Most rural users still rely on intermediaries (cyber cafes, agents, or family members) to access digital services. Even though government websites now support 22 languages, a majority of users don’t even know about these options or how to navigate them.
  ➡ Example: A farmer wanting to apply for subsidies may not know that the PM-Kisan website is available in Hindi, Tamil, or Marathi. Instead, they depend on others, defeating the purpose of accessibility.
  
  2) Digital Literacy: Language Alone Won’t Solve the Problem
• Even if a website is available in a local language, many first-time users struggle with digital literacy—understanding how to use search functions, fill online forms, or verify information.
  ➡ Example: The government’s Bhashini initiative provides real-time translations, but how many people know how to enable or use it?
  
  3) Keyboards and Input Barriers
• Typing in regional languages remains a challenge. Many official Indian language keyboards are not user-friendly, and auto-suggestions often fail.
  ➡ Example: Someone trying to create an email in Bengali or Odia may struggle because their name in the local script is not recognized by major platforms.
  
  4) Policy vs. Execution: Are We Measuring Impact?
• While events like UA Day highlight India’s commitment to digital inclusivity, there is little public data on whether these efforts are truly helping.
  -How many people have actually started using email IDs in regional languages?
  -How many businesses have shifted to domain names in Indian scripts?
  -How many government services report an increase in non-English users?
  
  Without these metrics, UA risks becoming a symbolic effort rather than a transformative one.
  
  The Way Forward: Beyond Celebrations to Real Change
• Mass Awareness Campaigns – TV, radio, and grassroots efforts to teach people about multilingual internet.
• Simplified Digital Tools – Voice-based navigation like bhashini , better keyboards, and AI-powered assistance in Indian languages.
• Government Mandates with Accountability – Policies ensuring UA compliance in all digital services, with real-time tracking of adoption.
  
  UA can be a game-changer for India setting example at a global level—but only if it moves beyond technical implementation to real-world adoption. Otherwise, we risk celebrating progress that hasn’t yet reached the people who need it most.

For more information on Universal Acceptance and related initiatives, visit:

• NIXI Official Website: https://nixi.in/
• ICANN Universal Acceptance Initiative: https://uasg.tech/ua-day/

Note: The information provided is based on the latest available data as of April 3, 2025.
Reference:
1) https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2024-India
2) https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/indias-internet-user-base-to-surpass-900-million-by-2025-driven-by-rural-growth-report/articleshow/117304976.cms
3)https://www.noidabusinessguide.com/literacy-rate-in-india-2024/
4) https://akjoshischool.com/list-of-official-languages-of-indian-states-and-union-territories.html
5) https://uaday.in/
6) https://uasg.tech/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/UASG-FY23-Action-Plan.pdf

In an era where digital connectivity is increasingly recognized as a fundamental right, India’s frequent use of internet shutdowns has become a contentious issue. Reports indicate that India experienced 88 internet shutdowns due to communal violence between 2023 and 2024, which comprised all such shutdowns worldwide during that period. Since 2018, India has accounted for nearly 95% of global internet shutdowns linked to communal unrest, highlighting a stark trend in the country’s approach to managing digital access during times of social tension.

What Are Internet Shutdowns?

An internet shutdown is a government-enforced restriction that either fully blocks internet access or limits specific services, such as social media platforms. These shutdowns can vary in scope, affecting a few districts or entire states, and significantly disrupt the lives of millions of people.

The Data Behind India’s Shutdowns

A detailed examination of the state-wise breakdown of internet shutdowns in India due to protests in 2024 reveals concerning patterns:

• Manipur: Experienced 14 shutdowns, contributing significantly to the overall disruptions.
• Haryana: Saw numerous shutdowns primarily linked to communal tensions.
• Other States: Multiple shutdowns occurred across various regions, severely impacting businesses, education, and everyday communication.

India has become notorious for having the highest number of government-imposed internet shutdowns. Authorities often justify these shutdowns by citing concerns over law and order, despite the significant disruptions they cause to various sectors of society.ion, these disruptions come at a high social and economic cost.

The Human Cost of Internet Blackouts

Internet shutdowns present a significant challenge for students who rely on digital learning, businesses that depend on online transactions, and journalists covering sensitive events. These shutdowns restrict access to timely information, impede emergency responses, and infringe upon fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and access to knowledge.

A Global Perspective

While internet shutdowns are not unique to India and occur in multiple countries, the frequency and scale at which they are implemented in India are unmatched. The international community, including organizations such as Access Now and research teams from The Hindu, have expressed significant concerns regarding the high frequency and far-reaching implications of these shutdowns.

The Path Forward

There is an urgent need for transparent policies and viable alternatives to blanket internet shutdowns. Governments should consider measures such as content moderation, targeted restrictions, and enhanced cybersecurity enforcement to address concerns without completely severing digital access. As reliance on digital technologies increases, protecting the right to internet access is crucial for democracy, economic development, and societal advancement.

The discussion around India’s internet shutdowns should focus on long-term solutions that strike a balance between security concerns and citizens’ rights.

Bank users should be on alert starting April 2025, as new changes are being introduced regarding the login procedure of their accounts as now, a new domain would have to be checked before gain access to the accounts of users. The surge in digital frauds is a matter of concern, warranting action by all stakeholders, in action to which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the rollout of an exclusive ‘.bank.in’ domain for Indian lenders to combat digital financial fraud. Following this, a ‘.fin.in’ domain will be introduced for the broader financial sector.

What Should Users Expect?

Financial organizations are consistently updating their security features in order to protect themselves from cyber criminals attacking them. In the modern world where Ceaseless campaigns are being executed for users credentials by creating false websites in order to Phish, fraudsters are proliferating. In an attempt to tackle this problem, banking institutions are resorting to a much more secure and easily verifiable domain.

How Should Users Prepare Themselves?

Stay updated, be on the lookout for any comms coming from your bank that may provide insight on the new domain.The new domain once announced should be bookmarked immediately in order to prevent any mistakes in typing that have the potential to lead to phishing websites.

Make sure to look for https within the address bar. Doing this will signal that there is a secure connection and ensure safety. Cyber criminals may exploit this transition period by sending fake messages or emails so it is best to be cautious. Any new information should be verified and checked against the bank’s official website or customer service.

Activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), If not properly initiated, establish your 2FA settings to ensure an additional layer of security is in place.

To Sum Up

The shift of this particular domain is done in order to improve security measures when it comes to systems with banking clients. One must remain cognizant and implement these practices in order to facilitate the transfer with ease and maintain the privacy of your finances. The safest approach if you have any questions is to reach out to your bank.

The most important rule is to keep checking what new communications appeared from your bank, as well as make sure that your online banking account is properly secured.

And as Bank says “Keep banking with us”

“We’re still grappling with the challenges of deepfakes, and now China has unveiled its AI giant—DeepSeek. What does this mean for the future of AI and global tech dynamics?

The global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape witnessed a seismic shift as Chinese startup DeepSeek unveiled its generative AI model, challenging the technological dominance of American giants like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. Unlike its US counterparts, DeepSeek is entirely open-source and operates on lower-end chips, making it a cost-effective alternative at just $5.6 million—barely 2% of OpenAI’s O1 model. By sidestepping high-end hardware, which is under US export restrictions, DeepSeek has sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley, shaking the AI ecosystem.

Despite these advancements, DeepSeek’s prospects in India remain uncertain. The country has maintained a wary stance on Chinese technology, particularly following the 2020 border clashes. This geopolitical tension has already led to the banning of Chinese apps such as TikTok and restrictions on telecom equipment from companies like Huawei and ZTE. As a result, Indian firms developing AI applications are likely to remain reliant on US technologies and Nvidia’s graphics processing units (GPUs), despite growing concerns over technological dependency.

The DeepSeek Disruption

DeepSeek’s appeal lies in its affordability, accessibility, and independence from high-end computing resources. The model’s open-source nature makes it a lucrative option for businesses and developers seeking cost-effective AI solutions. However, concerns over security, data sovereignty, and geopolitical ramifications loom large.

The security risks stem from potential data transfer to external servers, a challenge that applies to all generative AI models, including ChatGPT. While local deployment could mitigate risks, trust remains a key issue.

India’s AI Challenge: Dependence vs. Self-Reliance

India’s AI ambitions are at a crossroads. While global AI competition intensifies, India faces the dual challenge of ensuring technological sovereignty while keeping pace with AI advancements. The government’s efforts to bolster domestic compute infrastructure and large language models (LLMs) are in early stages, with policy discussions underway.

The question of data governance is equally critical. The recently enacted Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, along with anticipated rules on cross-border data flow, could impose further restrictions on AI models relying on external infrastructure. Data localization requirements may hinder the adoption of models like DeepSeek if they require data transfers to China, adding another layer of complexity for Indian firms.

The Geopolitical AI Race and India’s Position

The AI race is not just about technological advancements but also about geopolitical influence. The US, through initiatives like the $500 billion Stargate project and export controls on high-end GPUs, is actively shaping the global AI landscape. The restrictions on advanced Nvidia chips, including the A100 and H100 series, have already impacted China’s AI ambitions, pushing Chinese firms to develop alternatives like DeepSeek.

For India, this intensifying AI arms race signals a crucial moment to invest in indigenous AI capabilities.

The Path Forward: Strengthening India’s AI Ecosystem

While India has ambitious plans for developing its AI capabilities, execution remains a challenge. Building an independent AI ecosystem requires substantial investment in research, compute infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while safeguarding national security.

One immediate step is enhancing India’s compute infrastructure. The country must invest in high-performance computing (HPC) resources to support large-scale AI training, reducing reliance on foreign GPUs. Collaborations between academia, industry, and government bodies can accelerate the development of indigenous LLMs, customized for India’s linguistic and socio-cultural landscape.

Furthermore, policies must strike a balance between fostering innovation and addressing security concerns. The voluntary ethics code under development should provide clear guidelines on the adoption of foreign AI models, ensuring that companies using solutions like DeepSeek implement stringent data governance practices.

India Must Secure Its AI Future

DeepSeek’s rise underscores a broader reality—AI is no longer just about technology; it is a battleground for economic and geopolitical dominance. For India, the choice is clear: either remain dependent on external AI providers, whether from the US or China, or take decisive steps toward technological self-sufficiency.

If India fails to act now, it risks falling behind in the AI revolution, ceding control over critical digital infrastructure. To truly embrace AI’s potential, India must prioritize indigenous AI development, ensure secure data governance, and build an ecosystem that aligns with its national interests. Only then can India assert its position as a global AI leader, rather than a passive consumer in the unfolding AI era.

Artificial Intelligence | Geneva, 20 January 2025

In a groundbreaking move to address the growing global AI skills gap, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has launched the AI Skills Coalition, a collaborative initiative aimed at democratizing access to AI education worldwide. With founding contributors including industry giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, Cognizant, and regional bodies like the East Africa Community, this coalition represents a united effort to ensure equitable access to AI training and capacity building.

The announcement was made during the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, where ITU emphasized the critical role of digital technologies in shaping a sustainable future. The AI Skills Coalition will serve as an online platform offering open and accessible training in generative AI, machine learning, and the application of AI for sustainable development. This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Pact for the Future and Global Digital Compact, addressing the urgent need for global AI capacity building.

“Let’s make sure everyone has a chance to learn the skills they need to benefit from the AI revolution,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “Our new AI Skills Coalition aims to train thousands of people this year, especially those in regions just beginning their AI journey, as part of our commitment to ensure all communities can fully participate in our shared digital future.”

The Global AI Skills Gap: A Pressing Challenge

Recent research cited in ITU and Deloitte’s AI for Good Impact Report reveals that 94% of global business leaders consider AI critical to their organizations’ success. However, the lack of technical skills, the need for upskilling and reskilling, and the challenge of building trust in new technologies remain significant barriers to AI adoption worldwide.

The AI Skills Coalition, a flagship program under ITU’s AI for Good Impact Initiative, seeks to address these challenges by providing educational resources that empower individuals and organizations. The initiative also focuses on reducing the underrepresentation of marginalized groups—such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities—in the development and use of AI technologies.

“Generative AI is rapidly transforming the workforce, with LinkedIn data showing a 142x global increase in professionals adding AI skills in just one year,” noted Kate Behncken, Global Head of Microsoft Philanthropies. “We are proud to collaborate with the ITU AI Skills Coalition to provide accessible AI training, certifications, and capacity-building for policymakers, IT professionals, and organizational leaders.”

A Collaborative Approach to AI Capacity Building

The coalition will leverage the global reach of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which operates in over 170 countries and territories, to deliver AI training directly to partner nations.

“Capacity development is critical for addressing the AI equity gap, particularly in developing countries,” said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator. “Aligned with the vision of this coalition, we will work with our partners to deliver AI training that equips policymakers and stakeholders with the knowledge needed to responsibly adopt and use AI for sustainable development.”

Phased Implementation and Key Features

The AI Skills Coalition will roll out in phases, with a focus on underserved and marginalized communities. Founding organizations are contributing training materials, financial resources, and outreach support to build a robust platform, set to launch in March 2025.

The platform will feature:

• A comprehensive training portfolio and a customizable digital library of AI resources.
• Self-paced courses, webinars, and access to in-person workshops tailored to diverse learning needs.
• Free access to foundational resources, with advanced certifications available at affordable rates.

Throughout 2025, the coalition will expand its offerings to include specialized programs for the general public, as well as government-focused training in AI governance, ethics, and policymaking—particularly for developing and least developed countries (LDCs).

AI for Good Global Summit 2025

The coalition’s efforts will culminate at the AI for Good Global Summit, scheduled for 8-11 July 2025 in Geneva. The summit will host a series of in-person workshops and skill-building sessions, further solidifying the coalition’s mission to bridge the global AI skills gap.

A Step Toward an Inclusive AI-Powered Future

The AI Skills Coalition represents a significant step toward ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to all, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status. By fostering collaboration between global organizations, private sector leaders, and UN agencies, this initiative aims to create a more equitable and inclusive digital future.

As the world continues to embrace AI, initiatives like the AI Skills Coalition remind us that the true potential of technology lies in its ability to empower everyone—not just a privileged few.

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Reference:
1) https://aiforgood.itu.int/ai-skills-coalition/
2) https://tinyurl.com/ITU-AI-Skills
3) https://cloud.google.com/learn/what-is-artificial-intelligence

The Global Digital Compact (GDC) is a pioneering international framework designed to shape an inclusive, sustainable, and secure digital future for all. Focused on harnessing the potential of digital technologies while promoting their responsible regulation, the GDC emphasizes the need for cooperation to ensure that the digital landscape is fair, open, and accessible. While ambitious in scope, the framework also faces scrutiny for certain oversights and gaps, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue and refinement to achieve a truly just and equitable digital future.

What is Global Digital Compact and what we want from it?

The Global Digital Compact is a United Nations initiative aimed at establishing shared principles and guidelines for the global governance of digital technologies. It prioritizes safeguarding human rights in the digital realm and promoting the responsible use of emerging technologies like AI. With a focus on sustainable development, the GDC lays out core principles, objectives, and actionable steps to create a fair, inclusive, and secure digital environment for all.

The Association for Progressive Communications (APC), along with its advocacy partners, emphasized six key areas for the Global Digital Compact (GDC) to address:

1. Digital Inclusion:
APC advocated for greater community participation in policymaking, regulatory frameworks enabling diverse connectivity providers, and financing mechanisms for meaningful community-level connectivity. These measures aim to address digital inequity and foster inclusive access to digital technologies.

2. Human Rights Online:
Strengthening human rights law in all internet operations was a key priority. APC called for internet governance grounded in human rights standards, adhering to the principles of necessity and proportionality. Transparency and accountability from states and corporations, addressing structural inequalities, and fostering democratic values were emphasized. A rights-respecting digital future requires parity between online and offline environments.

3. Data Protection:
Concerns were raised about massive data harvesting by big tech and intrusive state surveillance, with a focus on the gendered dimensions of data exploitation. APC advocated for robust data protection regimes, increased transparency, and legal restrictions on surveillance. Intersectional and feminist approaches to data governance, along with Indigenous data stewardship and equality-driven governance, were highlighted.

4. Harmful and Misleading Content:
APC called for improved accountability for tech companies and states in addressing hate speech, misinformation, and online discrimination. Consistent industry-wide content moderation standards aligned with human rights principles were needed. Concerns were also raised about the inconsistent application of rules and the poor record of states in fostering trustworthy information and protecting freedom of expression.

5. A Gender-Just Digital Society:
A gender-inclusive digital future requires an intersectional feminist perspective. APC advocated for recognizing systemic gender-based discrimination and ensuring the inclusion of diverse genders in governance. Priorities included addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence, ensuring privacy and digital safety, and promoting transparency and accountability in algorithms and AI systems. The work was grounded in the Feminist Principles of the Internet.

6. Earth Justice and Sustainable Development:
APC underscored the need for a precautionary principle in digitalization, advocating for a circular economy approach in technology design and production. Private companies were urged to ensure transparency regarding socio-environmental impacts, while governments and corporations were called to support community-led connectivity initiatives that respect planetary boundaries and the rights of nature.

These key focus areas aim to create a more inclusive, rights-driven, and sustainable digital ecosystem, addressing the intersecting challenges of equity, justice, and environmental stewardship.

Objectives and Actions of the Global Digital Compact
The Global Digital Compact (GDC) goes beyond principles, offering clear objectives and actionable measures to achieve its vision:

• Strengthening Digital Infrastructure:
  Countries are encouraged to collaborate in developing robust digital infrastructure, with a focus on underdeveloped regions. Proposed actions include investments in 5G networks, digital literacy initiatives, and public-private partnerships to ensure universal connectivity.
• Governance of AI and Emerging Technologies:
  The GDC emphasizes the need for global regulatory frameworks to guide the ethical development and use of AI and emerging technologies. These frameworks aim to prevent the reinforcement of existing inequalities and mitigate potential harms.
• Ensuring Data Sovereignty and Privacy:
  The Compact advocates for the global protection of data privacy rights. It calls on nations to safeguard citizens’ digital footprints and empower individuals with control over their data through comprehensive regulatory measures.
• Addressing Digital Misinformation:
  Governments and technology companies are urged to collaborate in combating misinformation, hate speech, and cybercrime. This includes implementing regulations, promoting transparency, and adopting real-time monitoring mechanisms.
• Promoting Sustainable Technology Practices:
  The GDC underscores the importance of aligning technological advancements with environmental sustainability. It calls for green technology initiatives and digital solutions that actively contribute to combating climate change.

These objectives and actions aim to create a digital future that is inclusive, ethical, and environmentally conscious, fostering collaboration among nations, organizations, and individuals.

Gaps in the Global Digital Compact

The final text of the Global Digital Compact (GDC) falls short in addressing many critical advocacy points raised by civil society and other stakeholders. Several gaps in the Compact highlight areas of concern:

1. Human Rights

• The GDC’s language on human rights lacks strength and consistency. References to “international law” are used instead of the more robust “international human rights law.”
• The Compact does not adequately address state obligations to refrain from mass surveillance or ensure that targeted surveillance complies with principles of legality, legitimacy, necessity, and proportionality.
• New technologies, such as AI, pose significant risks to human rights, yet the GDC fails to apply human rights obligations consistently throughout the technology lifecycle, from design to application.
• Restrictions on states and companies deploying technologies incompatible with human rights principles are insufficiently outlined.
• The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is under-supported. Its critical work on technology, business, and human rights is weakened by a reliance on voluntary funding mechanisms rather than robust institutional backing.

2. Inclusive Internet Governance

• The GDC undermines the multistakeholder approach, a cornerstone of effective internet governance, by failing to meaningfully include civil society, academia, the private sector, the technical community, and grassroots groups in consultations, implementation, or follow-ups.
• Proposed mechanisms risk centralising and nationalising internet governance through state structures, privileging the private sector while marginalising non-state actors.
• The GDC does not prioritize multistakeholder input in designing new bodies or mechanisms, nor in developing financing initiatives and digital public infrastructure. This omission increases the risk of technologies being adopted primarily for data collection without adequate accountability.

These weaknesses reveal the need for stronger commitments to human rights and inclusivity in global digital governance, ensuring that the GDC fulfills its promise of a just and equitable digital future.

Addressing Deficiencies in the Global Digital Compact: Key Areas for Action

While the GDC has notable gaps, many of these can be addressed through careful and vigilant implementation. Civil society has a critical role to play in ensuring that mechanisms, bodies, and processes align with the overarching goal of an “inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe, and secure digital future for all.”

Cross-Cutting Areas Requiring Attention:

1. Strengthened Multistakeholder Cooperation and Coordination
   • Enhanced Collaboration: Governments, civil society, the private sector, and the technical community must work together more effectively at all levels.
   • Streamlining Global Processes: The GDC fails to address the fragmentation among UN and other global digital initiatives. Better coordination is needed among processes like WSIS+20, IGF, and Beijing+30.
   • Civil Society’s Role: Civil society must identify gaps and links between the GDC and other critical areas, including cybersecurity, trade negotiations, consumer rights, food security, labour, intellectual property, and climate justice.
   • Emerging Fields: Big Tech’s ventures, such as investments in nuclear power for data centres and AgTech, highlight the need for cross-field advocacy that integrates digital rights into diverse forums and sectors.
2. Human Rights as the Cornerstone of Digital Policy
   • Centrality of Human Rights: Digital policy must reaffirm human rights, focusing on development and placing people at the centre.
   • Strengthening Existing Tools: Implementation should leverage and reinforce existing human rights frameworks, particularly in the context of digital standards.
   • Collective Advocacy: Resistance from some states and businesses necessitates coordinated civil society strategies to uphold human rights in digital spaces.
3. Equitable Distribution of Digital Benefits
   • Inclusion of Marginalized Communities: Implementation must prioritize the participation of excluded groups through mechanisms, mentoring, capacity-building programs, and regional consultations.
   • Capacity Building: Initiatives like AfriSIG and inter-regional consultations should be expanded and strengthened to support effective participation.
   • Gender Inclusion: Connecting the GDC to gender-focused initiatives, such as Beijing+30, is essential for equitable outcomes.
4. Scrutiny of Financing Mechanisms
   • Risks of Private Sector Domination: Blended financing models must not disproportionately empower the private sector to dictate terms, especially in regions with weaker governmental contributions.
   • Market-First Model Failures: Emphasis should shift from market-first connectivity models, which have left many underserved, to inclusive and equitable financing approaches.
   • Universal Connectivity: Financing mechanisms must prioritize universal access while avoiding further marginalization of vulnerable communities.
5. Accountability of Big Tech
   • Regulating Corporate Practices: The GDC must ensure that big tech accountability is embedded in its frameworks, focusing on harms caused by their practices.
   • Human Rights Framework: States must be challenged to regulate corporations effectively within a human rights framework.
   • OHCHR Support: Adequate funding for the OHCHR is crucial to enabling oversight of state and corporate compliance with human rights standards.

Conclusion

The success of the GDC will depend heavily on how its principles are operationalized. Vigilance and proactive advocacy by civil society are essential to ensuring that its mechanisms and processes promote an inclusive, fair, and human-rights-respecting digital future.