BRICS and beyond – its impact on the global Internet Governance
Since its first summit in 2009, BRICS—a coalition of emerging economies originally including Brazil, Russia, India, and China—has rapidly evolved. South Africa joined in 2010, completing the core group, The recent expansions have transformed BRICS into BRICS+, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates joining in 2024 and Indonesia in January 2025.
Initially centered on economic cooperation, BRICS has increasingly addressed political, security, and digital governance issues, especially after the 2014 Fortaleza Declaration. BRICS+ champions multilateralism, advocating for data sovereignty, cybersecurity, and equitable digital inclusion. The bloc’s growing voice signals a shift toward a more decentralized and multipolar digital future, challenging the dominance of Western-led governance frameworks. In this issue, we’ll explore the key initiatives driving BRICS’ Internet governance agenda and its potential impact on the global digital landscape.
Key Initiatives in Internet Governance: BRICS’ Digital Blueprint
Collaboration among BRICS nations has led to the development of various initiatives aimed at enhancing cybersecurity and Internet governance. Notable projects include the CyberBRICS initiative, which seeks to map existing regulations, identify best practices, and propose policy recommendations tailored to the unique contexts of BRICS countries. The scope of BRICS’ digital sovereignty and cybersecurity strategies is broad, encompassing various aspects of digital governance. The 2022 BRICS Digital Economy Partnership Framework exemplifies this commitment, promoting cooperation on issues such as data protection, cybersecurity, and e-commerce. By aligning their digital strategies, BRICS countries aim to enhance their collective bargaining power in international negotiations Additionally, the establishment of the New Development Bank and other financial mechanisms illustrates the bloc’s commitment to fostering economic resilience and digital cooperation, thereby strengthening its collective cybersecurity posture.
Here are the key strategies of BRICS Internet governance explained.
- Digital Sovereignty
The BRICS nations are investing heavily in their digital capabilities while formulating legislation to enhance their Internet sovereignty. This includes developing national regulations that govern Internet usage and data protection, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign technologies and platforms. BRICS has initiated discussions about establishing a BRICS working group focused on Internet governance that could formulate formal positions and strategies ahead of international meetings. This includes promoting their viewpoints on critical issues like surveillance, control of Internet infrastructure, and fostering an environment that protects the rights of users in their respective countries. The presence of BRICS countries is increasing in international platforms like the UN’s IGF. - Collaborative Cybersecurity Initiatives
The BRICS group has initiated collaborative efforts to strengthen cybersecurity measures, including joint exercises and sharing best practices among member states, to maintain national security and economic stability. This cooperation aims to enhance their collective resilience against cyber threats and attacks. The BRICS Working Group on Security in the Use of ICTs (established in 2021) focuses on joint cybersecurity exercises, threat intelligence sharing, and a unified stance against cyber threats. - Policy Frameworks and Standards
BRICS countries are working to establish common policy frameworks and standards for Internet governance, focusing on key areas such as data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity regulations. By aligning their policies, BRICS aims to develop a cohesive approach to address the challenges of the evolving global digital landscape. A significant step in this direction was the explicit inclusion of AI in their 2017 joint declaration, recognizing its growing impact. Building on this, BRICS launched an AI Study Group in 2023 to collaboratively assess AI risks and develop governance frameworks and regulatory standards. - Focus on the Digital Economy
The BRICS movement recognizes the Internet as a key driver of economic growth and development. By fostering digital economies, member states aim to leverage technology to boost e-commerce, digital trade, and innovation. This economic focus is closely linked to their governance strategies, as they strive to create environments that support digital entrepreneurship and technological advancement. A significant step in this direction was the launch of the BRICS Digital Economy Partnership Framework in 2022, which lays the foundation for a comprehensive digital governance framework to enhance cooperation in the evolving digital landscape.
Navigating the Complexities: Challenges in BRICS Digital Governance
While BRICS has made strides in shaping global digital governance, it faces key challenges that could limit its cohesion and influence. A major issue is the divergence in political systems—with China’s strict state control contrasting with India’s and Brazil’s more open, democratic models. This ideological gap complicates unified positions in international forums.
Another challenge is balancing digital sovereignty with openness. BRICS nations emphasize controlling their digital spaces, but the global nature of the Internet requires cross-border collaboration. This tension risks contributing to Internet fragmentation.
Additionally, technological disparities within BRICS hinder collective progress. While Russia and China lead in digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, South Africa and Brazil struggle with digital inclusion and literacy gaps. This uneven development makes it difficult to create policies that are both inclusive and effective across the bloc.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for BRICS in Global Internet Governance?
As BRICS expands with new members like Indonesia and the UAE, its influence on global Internet governance will likely grow. This presents opportunities for deeper collaboration on cybersecurity, digital literacy, and infrastructure, strengthening BRICS as a voice for the Global South.
BRICS could play a key role in setting international digital standards, especially in data protection and cybersecurity. Its emphasis on digital sovereignty challenges Western-led models, promoting a more multipolar digital order.
However, risks remain. The focus on sovereignty may fuel Internet fragmentation, while potential shifts towards protectionism or authoritarian controls could conflict with global norms promoting open and free Internet principles.
Read more…
- Digital Sovereignty in the BRICS Countries
- Leveraging the BRICS Digital Partnership for Collaborative Digital Governance
What are we reading
As BRICS reshapes global Internet governance, it’s also important to watch developments in the U.S., especially with the newly established Trump administration. The future of net neutrality and freedom of expression is under scrutiny, with potential global ripple effects. The Atlantic’s article, Trump and the Net Neutrality Mystery, explores Trump’s ambiguous stance on net neutrality. ARTICLE 19 highlights key freedom of expression concerns, while Al Jazeera’s piece, How the Trump Administration Threatens Internet Freedoms, examines the broader impact on digital rights. These readings offer critical insights into how U.S. policies may shape the future of the open Internet globally.
Written by Yukako Ban (Reviewed by Jenna Manhau Fung)
Reference
- Internet Governance Outlook 2025: Unbordered Spaces vs. Bordered Places https://circleid.com/posts/internet-governance-outlook-2025-unbordered-spaces-vs-bordered-places
- Digital Sovereignty in the BRICS Countries
https://cyberbrics.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DIGITAL_SOVEREINGTY_IN_BRICS_COUNTRIES_JiangEdits_Jan19-2-2.pdf - Leveraging the BRICS Digital Partnership for Collaborative Digital Governance
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383082260_Leveraging_the_BRICS_Digital_Partnership_for_Collaborative_Digital_Governance - The BRICS Digital Economy Partnership Framework, launched in 2022, is a positive step towards a comprehensive digital governance framework.