Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025
Parliamentarians at IGF 2025 call for action on information integrity
(DigWatch – 23 June 2025) At the Internet Governance Forum 2025 in Lillestrøm, Norway, global lawmakers and experts gathered to confront one of the most pressing challenges of our digital era: the societal impact of misinformation and disinformation, especially amid the rapid advance of AI. Framed by the UN Global Principles for Information Integrity, the session spotlighted the urgent need for resilient, democratic responses to online erosion of public trust. AI’s disruptive power took centre stage, with speakers citing alarming trends—deepfakes manipulated global election narratives in over a third of national polls in 2024 alone. Experts like Lindsay Gorman from the German Marshall Fund warned of a polluted digital ecosystem where fabricated video and audio now threaten core democratic processes. – https://dig.watch/updates/parliamentarians-at-igf-2025-call-for-action-on-information-integrity
Africa reflects on 20 years of WSIS at IGF 2025
(DigWatch – 23 June 2025) At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025, a high-level session brought together African government officials, private sector leaders, civil society advocates, and international experts to reflect on two decades of the continent’s engagement in the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) process. Moderated by Mactar Seck of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, the WSIS+20 Africa review highlighted both remarkable progress and ongoing challenges in digital transformation. Seck opened the discussion with a snapshot of Africa’s connectivity leap from 2.6% in 2005 to 38% today. Yet, he warned, ‘Cybersecurity costs Africa 10% of its GDP,’ underscoring the urgency of coordinated investment and inclusion. Emphasising multi-stakeholder collaboration, he called for ‘inclusive policy-making across government, private sector, academia and civil society,’ aligned with frameworks such as the AU Digital Strategy and the Global Digital Compact. – https://dig.watch/updates/africa-reflects-on-20-years-of-wsis-at-igf-2025
Rethinking AI in journalism with global cooperation
(DigWatch – 23 June 2025) At the Internet Governance Forum 2025 in Lillestrøm, Norway, a vibrant multistakeholder session spotlighted the ethical dilemmas of AI in journalism and digital content. The event was hosted by R&W Media and introduced the Haarlem Declaration, a global initiative to promote responsible AI practices in digital media. Central to the discussion was unveiling an ‘ethical AI checklist,’ designed to help organisations uphold human rights, transparency, and environmental responsibility while navigating AI’s expanding role in content creation. Speakers emphasised a people-centred approach to AI, advocating for tools that support rather than replace human decision-making. – https://dig.watch/updates/rethinking-ai-in-journalism-with-global-cooperation
Lawmakers at IGF 2025 call for global digital safeguards
(DigWatch – 23 June 2025) At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025 in Norway, a high‑level parliamentary roundtable convened global lawmakers to tackle the pressing challenge of digital threats to democracy. Led by moderator Nikolis Smith, the discussion included Martin Chungong, Secretary‑General of the Inter‑Parliamentary Union (via video), and MPs from Norway, Kenya, California, Barbados, and Tajikistan. The central concern was how AI, disinformation, deepfakes, and digital inequality jeopardise truth, electoral integrity, and public trust. – https://dig.watch/updates/lawmakers-at-igf-2025-call-for-global-digital-safeguards
Participants from 170 countries meet in Norway for the annual Internet Governance Forum
(Council of Europe – 23 June 2025) The Council of Europe is taking part in the 20th UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Lillestrøm, Norway (23-27 June), focusing on ensuring human rights in the age of big tech, advancing equality and inclusion in AI and countering disinformation and the threats to democratic dialogue. – https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/participants-from-170-countries-meet-in-norway-for-the-annual-internet-governance-forum
A unified call for a stronger digital future at IGF 2025
(DigWatch – 23 June 2025) At the Internet Governance Forum 2025 in Lillestrøm, Norway, global stakeholders converged to shape the future of digital governance by aligning the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) with the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Plus 20 review and the Global Digital Compact (GDC) follow-up. Moderated by Yoichi Iida, former Vice Minister at Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the session featured high-level representatives from governments, international organisations, the business sector, and youth networks, all calling for a stronger, more inclusive, better-resourced IGF. – https://dig.watch/updates/a-unified-call-for-a-stronger-digital-future-at-igf-2025
Cybersecurity vs freedom of expression: IGF 2025 panel calls for balanced, human-centred digital governance
(DigWatch – 23 June 2025) At the 2025 Internet Governance Forum in Lillestrøm, Norway, experts from government, civil society, and the tech industry convened to discuss one of the thorniest challenges of the digital age: how to secure cyberspace without compromising freedom of expression and fundamental human rights. The session, moderated by terrorism survivor and activist Bjørn Ihler, revealed a shared urgency across sectors to move beyond binary thinking and craft nuanced, people-centred approaches to online safety. – https://dig.watch/updates/cybersecurity-vs-freedom-of-expression-igf-2025-panel-calls-for-balanced-human-centred-digital-governance
How ROAMX helps bridge the digital divide
(DigWatch – 23 June 2025) At the Internet Governance Forum 2025 in Lillestrøm, Norway, experts and stakeholders gathered to assess the progress of UNESCO’s ROAMX framework, a tool for evaluating digital development through the lenses of Rights, Openness, Accessibility, Multi-stakeholder participation, and cross-cutting issues such as gender equality and sustainability. Since its introduction in 2018, and with the rollout of new second-generation indicators in 2024, ROAMX has helped countries align their digital policies with global standards like the WSIS and Sustainable Development Goals. – https://dig.watch/updates/how-roamx-helps-bridge-the-digital-divide
Civil society pushes for digital rights and justice in WSIS+20 review at IGF 2025
(DigWatch – 23 June 2025) At a packed session during Day 0 of the Internet Governance Forum 2025 in Lillestrøm, Norway, civil society leaders gathered to strategise how the upcoming WSIS+20 review can deliver on the promise of digital rights and justice. Organised by the Global Digital Justice Forum and the Global Digital Rights Coalition for WSIS, the brainstorming session brought together voices from across the globe to assess the ‘elements paper’ recently issued by review co-facilitators from Albania and Kenya. Anna Oosterlinck of ARTICLE 19 opened the session by noting significant gaps in the current draft, especially in its treatment of human rights and multistakeholder governance. – https://dig.watch/updates/civil-society-pushes-for-digital-rights-and-justice-in-wsis20-review-at-igf-2025
Grassroots internet governance faces crossroads at IGF 2025
(DigWatch – 23 June 2025) At the Internet Governance Forum 2025 in Lillestrøm, Norway, the IGF Support Association convened a critical session addressing the long-term sustainability of National and Regional Internet Initiatives (NRIs). With over 170 NRIs worldwide playing a key role in connecting local voices to global internet policy, participants discussed how a potential renewal of the IGF’s UN mandate might influence their operations. While many, including internet pioneer Vint Cerf, welcomed the idea of institutional stability through UN backing, most agreed it wouldn’t automatically resolve the chronic funding and legitimacy challenges NRIs face on the ground. A recurring concern was the disconnect between expectations and resources. – https://dig.watch/updates/grassroots-internet-governance-faces-crossroads-at-igf-2025
Spyware accountability demands Global South leadership at IGF 2025
(DigWatch – 23 June 2025) At the Internet Governance Forum 2025 in Lillestrøm, Norway, a powerful roundtable titled ‘Spyware Accountability in the Global South’ brought together experts, activists, and policymakers to confront the growing threat of surveillance technologies in the world’s most vulnerable regions. Moderated by Nighat Dad of Pakistan’s Digital Rights Foundation, the session featured diverse perspectives from Mexico, India, Lebanon, the UK, and the private sector, each underscoring how spyware like Pegasus has been weaponised to target journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society actors across Latin America, South Asia, and the Middle East. – https://dig.watch/updates/spyware-accountability-demands-global-south-leadership-at-igf-2025
WGIG reunion sparks calls for reform at IGF 2025 in Norway
(DigWatch – 23 June 2025) At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025 in Lillestrøm, Norway, a reunion of the original Working Group on Internet Governance (WGIG) marked a significant reflection and reckoning moment for global digital governance. Commemorating the 20th anniversary of WGIG’s formation, the session brought together pioneers of the multistakeholder model that reshaped internet policy discussions during the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). – https://dig.watch/updates/wgig-reunion-sparks-calls-for-reform-at-igf-2025-in-norway
Governance and Legislation
EU adviser backs Android antitrust ruling against Google
(DigWatch – 23 June 2025) An adviser to the Court of Justice of the European Union has supported the EU’s antitrust ruling against Google, recommending the dismissal of its appeal over a €4.1bn fine. The case concerns Google’s use of its Android mobile system to limit competition through pre-installed apps and contractual restrictions. – https://dig.watch/updates/eu-adviser-backs-android-antitrust-ruling-against-google
WhatsApp ads delayed in EU until 2026
(DigWatch – 23 June 2025) Meta plans to introduce ads on WhatsApp globally, starting with the Updates tab, where users can subscribe to channels and receive promoted content. However, the Irish Data Protection Commission has confirmed that the rollout will be delayed across the EU until 2026. – https://dig.watch/updates/whatsapp-ads-delayed-in-eu-until-2026
Geostrategies
OpenAI and Microsoft’s collaboration is near breaking point
(DigWatch – 23 June 2025) The once-celebrated partnership between OpenAI and Microsoft is now under severe strain as disputes over control and strategic direction threaten to dismantle their alliance. OpenAI’s move toward a for-profit model has placed it at odds with Microsoft, which has invested billions and provided exclusive access to Azure infrastructure. Microsoft’s financial backing and technical involvement have granted it a powerful voice in OpenAI’s operations. However, OpenAI now appears determined to gain independence, even if it risks severing ties with the tech giant. – https://dig.watch/updates/openai-and-microsofts-collaboration-is-near-breaking-point
Security
Generative AI and the continued importance of cybersecurity fundamentals
(DigWatch – 23 June 2025) The introduction of generative AI (GenAI) is influencing developments in cybersecurity across industries. AI-powered tools are being integrated into systems such as end point detection and response (EDR) platforms and security operations centres (SOCs), while threat actors are reportedly exploring ways to use GenAI to automate known attack methods. While GenAI presents new capabilities, common cybersecurity vulnerabilities remain a primary concern. Issues such as outdated patching, misconfigured cloud environments, and limited incident response readiness are still linked to most breaches. – https://dig.watch/updates/generative-ai-and-the-continued-importance-of-cybersecurity-fundamentals
DeepSeek under fire for alleged military ties and export control evasion
(DigWatch – 23 June 2025) The United States has accused Chinese AI startup DeepSeek of assisting China’s military and intelligence services while allegedly seeking to evade export controls to obtain advanced American-made semiconductors. The claims, made by a senior US State Department official speaking anonymously to Reuters, add to growing concerns over the global security risks posed by AI. – https://dig.watch/updates/deepseek-under-fire-for-alleged-military-ties-and-export-control-evasion
Frontiers
Heat action plans in India struggle to match rising urban temperatures
(DigWatch – 23 June 2025) On 11 June, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi as temperatures exceeded 45°C, with real-feel levels reaching 54°C. Despite warnings, many outdoor workers in the informal sector continued working, highlighting challenges in protecting vulnerable populations during heatwaves. The primary tool in India for managing extreme heat, the Heat Action Plan (HAP), is developed annually by city and state governments. While some regions, such as Ahmedabad and Tamil Nadu, have reported improved outcomes, most HAPs face implementation, funding, coordination, and data availability issues. A 2023 study found that 95% of HAPs lacked detailed mapping of high-risk areas and vulnerable groups. Experts and non-governmental organisations recommend incorporating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing to improve targeting. – https://dig.watch/updates/heat-action-plans-in-india-struggle-to-match-rising-urban-temperatures
World’s first quantum satellite computer launched in historic SpaceX rideshare
(Interesting Engineering – 23 June 2025) In a historic milestone for quantum technology, a photonic quantum computer has been launched into space for the first time. Developed by an international team led by Philip Walther at the University of Vienna, the compact system blasted off on June 23 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The processor is set to begin operations around 550 kilometers above the planet. – https://interestingengineering.com/space/first-quantum-processor-launched-to-space
Tailored AI agents improve work output—at a social cost
(DigWatch – 23 June 2025) AI agents can significantly improve workplace productivity when tailored to individual personality types, according to new research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). However, the study also found that increased efficiency may come at the expense of human social interaction. Led by Professor Sinan Aral and postdoctoral associate Harang Ju from MIT Sloan School of Management, the research revealed that human workers collaborating with AI agents completed tasks 60% more efficiently. This gain was partly attributed to a 23% reduction in social messages between team members. – https://dig.watch/updates/tailored-ai-agents-improve-work-output-at-a-social-cost