Digital Platform Governance: Building a Global Forum of Networks

In 2022, as part of its broader strategy to counter hate speech online, UNESCO launched the “Internet for Trust” initiative and published the “Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms” on 6 November 2023. These Guidelines aim to safeguard freedom of expression and the right to information while dealing with dis- and misinformation, hate speech, and conspiracy theories online.  

The Guidelines define a set of duties, responsibilities, and roles for States, digital platforms, intergovernmental organizations, civil society, media, academic and technical communities, and other stakeholders to create an environment where freedom of expression and information are at the core of digital platform governance processes. 

Embracing a multi-stakeholder approach, UNESCO is actively engaged with national and international networks of regulators to champion the initiative and to uphold the principles set in the Guidelines.

Building on the momentum generated by the “Internet for Trust” conference, the Croatian Agency for Electronic Media (AEM) hosted the International Conference on Digital Platform Governance, with UNESCO’ support, in Dubrovnik, Croatia, from 17 to 19 June 2024. The conference was held on the International Day for Countering Hate Speech (18 June).   

The conference rallied international networks of audiovisual media, electronic media, online regulators, civil society, academia and digital platforms representatives against the exponential spread and proliferation of hate speech, discrimination and xenophobia online.  

The highlight of the event was the launch of the “Global Forum of Networks of Regulators”, bringing together regulatory authorities to establish a global, collaborative space for discussions and the exchange of best practices in the governance of digital platforms with a human right and multi-stakeholder approach. 

Regulators highlighted the diversity of regulatory arrangements and the gaps in digital governance, stressing the need for cooperation mechanisms that respect national differences. They emphasized the lack of evidence and good practices, calling for research to identify effective measures. Additionally, they addressed the asymmetrical relationships between stakeholders and the importance of establishing escalation systems for emergency situations like elections. Finally, they reaffirmed their commitment to protecting fundamental freedoms and advancing UNESCO's guidelines while consolidating the Global Forum of Networks to regulate the digital space effectively 

The Dubrovnik conference saw an impressive turnout with 236 participants attending either in person or virtually.

The conference primarily focused on regulators, gathering 87 representatives from regulatory authorities across 46 countries, with 84 attending. Europe dominated the attendance, with a significant representation from Eastern and Western Europe (50% of regulators), especially the Balkans. African countries also had a notable presence (14.29%), highlighting the rapid growth of platform users on the continent. 

The Latin America and Caribbean region’s participation was impactful (7.14%), driven by the PRAI network's leadership. However, there was a notable absence of regulatory authorities from North America.  

Follow this link to find photos from the three-day conference  

Please use the copyright Photo ADRIA / UNESCO on your social media publications.