THE CONTEXT: The Global Digital Compact (GDC) was adopted at the UN’s Summit of the Future to address the potential and challenges of digital technologies on a global scale. This non-binding instrument sets shared goals for various stakeholders, aiming to harness digital technologies for the common good in a complex landscape of international digital governance.
COMPONENTS FOR REALIZING GDC:
- Establishment of Panels: The GDC proposes the creation of two important panels, one an independent international scientific panel on AI and the other a panel for the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. These panels are intended to guide the implementation of the GDC’s goals related to artificial intelligence.
- Digital Public Goods and Infrastructure: The GDC aims to address the digital divide by developing “digital public goods,” including Open-source software, Open Data, and Open AI models. It also aims to create a “digital public infrastructure” to deliver services, involving the development of shared digital systems and partnerships with private entities.
- Data Governance and Interoperability: The GDC recognizes the importance of interoperable data governance in fostering innovation and economic growth, as well as in Establishing effective personal data protection and privacy laws.
- Multi-stakeholder Approach: Inclusive participation from governments, the private sector, civil society, the technical community, academia, and international organizations. Collaboration in advancing an inclusive, open, safe, and secure digital future.
- Implementation Mechanisms: A GDC portal for voluntary reporting on implementation has been established. Starting with the 80th UN General Assembly meeting, a high-level review of the GDC will be conducted every two years.
- Capacity Building and Collaboration: The GDC can facilitate Capacity-building initiatives for South-South and North-South collaborations in developing digital public goods.
THE ISSUES:
- Limited Openness in Public-Private Partnerships: European experience with public-private partnerships in digital projects suggests that openness is often restricted. Partnerships tend to operate between “as open as is required” and “as closed as is essential,” limiting transparency due to contractual requirements such as non-disclosure agreements, confidentiality clauses, and intellectual property protection.
- Ineffective Self-Regulation: The GDC calls for digital technology companies to self-regulate to ensure user safety and trust. However, self-regulation has proven ineffective, suggesting this approach is not optimal.
- Data Governance and Privacy Risks: While the GDC recognizes interoperable data governance as essential for innovation and economic growth, experts have highlighted that increased data collection, sharing, and processing—especially for AI—may amplify risks without adequate personal data protection and privacy laws.
- Imbalance in Corporate Power: The Compact proposes giving corporate entities more power in data and internet governance to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, it fails to emphasize the necessary countermeasures to prevent monopolistic control.
- Oversimplification of Complex Issues: In many sections, the GDC makes wishful statements that bypass the complexity of underlying issues, assuming international cooperation will be sufficient to achieve its objectives.
- Conflict with Digital Sovereignty: The GDC advocates for “data flow with trust,” but many countries have rejected this concept as it contradicts their digital sovereignty principles. Some nations have specific laws requiring citizen data to remain within their borders.
- Challenges in Realizing SDGs: Given the unimpressive record of nations in achieving the SDGs since their adoption in 2015, there are doubts about whether an additional compact like the GDC can make a significant difference.
- Complexity of Global Digital Governance: Global governance of digital technologies is too complex to be addressed by a single entity like the GDC. Multilateral and regional negotiations are necessary to address jurisdictional, regional, and local needs.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Enhance Transparency in Public-Private Partnerships: Implement mandatory transparency measures for public-private partnerships in digital projects. Require public disclosure of key contract terms. Establish independent oversight committees and implement regular public audits of partnership outcomes.
- Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks: Develop robust, internationally coordinated regulatory frameworks. Create an international digital regulatory body. Establish binding global standards for digital platforms. Implement cross-border enforcement mechanisms.
- Enhance Data Protection and Privacy Laws: Develop comprehensive, globally harmonized data protection and privacy legislation. Implement strict consent requirements for data collection. Establish clear guidelines for data minimization and purpose limitation. Create a global framework for cross-border data transfers.
- Balance Corporate Power in Data Governance: Establishing quotas for representation from civil society, academia, and small businesses in governance bodies and creating an independent watchdog to monitor and report on corporate influence in data governance.
- Address Digital Sovereignty Concerns: Develop a flexible framework that respects digital sovereignty while promoting responsible data sharing. Create a tiered system of data classification based on sensitivity. Establish secure data enclaves within national borders for sensitive data.
THE CONCLUSION:
The Global Digital Compact (GDC) represents a significant step towards addressing the challenges and opportunities of digital technologies on a global scale. While it may not revolutionize digital governance, the GDC’s potential lies in fostering collaboration, capacity building, and the development of digital public goods, provided member states commit to its implementation.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:
Q. What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. 2017
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. The Global Digital Compact (GDC), adopted at the UN Summit of the Future, aims to harness and regulate digital technologies for the common good. Critically examine the GDC’s key features of the GDC.
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