Written by Stella Teoh
Digital technologies will be an indispensable part of our future, which makes it imperative for global cooperation efforts to include youth perspectives. This is why NetMission.Asia sought to submit input to the United Nations (UN) Tech Envoy’s consultation for the Global Digital Compact.
About NetMission.Asia
NetMission.Asia is a network of passionate young Asians dedicated to engaging and empowering youth on Internet Governance discourse with the aim to enhance youth mobility and creating impact in Asia.
About Global Digital Impact
The Global Digital Compact is expected to “outline shared principles for an open, free, and secure digital future for all”. Topics covered include connectivity, avoiding Internet fragmentation, data protection, applying human rights online, accountability for online content, regulating artificial intelligence, digital commons, and others.
About Our Contribution
The submitted input was co-drafted by a group of NetMission Alumni through discussion and consultation. The members of the volunteer Global Digital Compact working group submitted input for 6 key thematic areas; connectivity, data protection, human rights online, accountability for online content, regulation of artificial intelligence, and digital commons as a global public good.
NetMission.Asia is resolved to see access to the Internet as a protected, fundamental human right. Data protection necessitates the involvement of governments via the adoption of data protection policies, as well as the fostering of trust between individuals and entities that will use the personal data of users. We advocate the inclusion of data literacy as a key digital readiness skill.
The network firmly supports the protection of human rights online (including but not limited to, rights to privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information). We believe digital inclusion should be a global key aim in cooperation efforts; with digital literacy and digital skills development vital to realize this goal. On the thematic issue of accountability regarding online content, we uphold that digital spaces should remain inclusive and accessible. Individuals involved in the production and dissemination of discriminatory and misleading content must be held accountable.
NetMission.Asia supports the careful and responsible handling of Artificial Intelligence by all organizations and individuals, which can include the protection and prioritization of human rights in the labor market. This could be achieved via a multi-stakeholder AO regulatory committee. The submission affirms that the digital commons is essential for the promotion of innovation, inclusive growth, and sustainable development; and seeks to achieve this through open data policies, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.