The use of technology and the Internet for supporting livelihoods during the COVID-19 pandemic has become central to people’s lives. As a result, there is also a greater urgency to regulate these technologies to manage their impact on our lives. Have we become part of the digital world but lost sight of real connections? Has the digital divide worsened or improved during this time? What would a people-centric Internet look like? As the world opens up again and people reconnect, it is time to go back to the basics: by putting people in the centre of decision-making and multistakeholder discussions, and re-evaluating whether technology is being used in the best interest of humans.
Thematic Tracks
Inclusion
Inclusion is about deliberate actions to facilitate access and equity, not only in Internet connectivity, but also on its skilful use. Inclusion is also about engaging diverse stakeholders to ensure that all voices are treated equally in the multistakeholder decision-making processes. The inherent diversity and sheer geography of the Asia-Pacific region presents a daunting challenge to ensure digital connectivity to all. How can stakeholders work together to ensure that no one is left behind and to support access to reliable and affordable Internet? The APrIGF welcomes proposals to encourage a multi-disciplinary discussion on the key issues such as, but not limited to:| Accessibility | Digital divide | Equitable access |
| Affordability | Digital policy & advocacy | Hate speech |
| Capacity building | Digital poverty | Internet infrastructure |
| Communication | Digital rights / Human rights | Local access initiatives |
| Connectivity | Digital sovereignty | Multilingual Internet |
| Digital economy | Diversity | Multistakeholder model |
| Digital education | Empowerment | Universal access |
| Digital equity | Equal opportunities |
Sustainability
The evolution of the Internet and its applications has facilitated the development of the digital economy and substantial advancement in science, agriculture, health and education. Sustainability draws attention towards careful consideration of the global effects and outcomes of technology and its innovations. What is the Internet’s impact on the environment? How resilient is it? How can Internet related technologies help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals? The APrIGF will encourage different perspectives related to sustainable development including the Internet’s socio-economic impact, such as:| eHealth | Innovation and technology | Opportunity |
| Environment | Internet fragmentation | Risk mitigation |
| Future of work | Internet measurement | Measurement for success and sustainability |
| Green technologies | Internet Of Things | Socio-economic impact of the Internet |
| ICT4Development & ICT4SDGs | Internet resilience | Sustainable development |
Trust
Trust calls for striking a good balance between security and people’s fundamental freedoms and rights. The security, stability, and resiliency of the Internet are critical to ensuring users can benefit from a healthy digital environment. Collectively, the stakeholders must work towards a safe, reliable and trustworthy cyberspace that enables the fair use of the Internet without compromising on user safety, personal data and mutual respect. What are the roles and responsibilities of governments, industry, civil society, and other stakeholders to maintain trust in Internet governance? APrIGF welcomes cross-sector perspectives that explore balancing the needs and rights of users with appropriate security considerations, on topics such as:| Algorithms and AI | Cybersecurity | Freedom of expression |
| Big data | Data accuracy | Internet standards |
| Content moderation & censorship | Data flows | Multistakeholderism |
| Cyber bullying & harassment | Data governance | Privacy |
| Cyber crime | Digital cooperation | Surveillance |
| Cyber norms | Digital rights | Tech regulation |
Should you have any queries, please contact the secretariat at [email protected].
