India Internet Governance Forum from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

INDIA INTERNET GOVERNANCE FORUM

• The 4th Edition of the India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) will be held on December 9-10, 2024.
• Venue: The event will take place at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Center, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
• Key Supporters: The event is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI).
• Objective: IIGF 2024 aims to bring together India's multi-stakeholder community to discuss critical aspects of Internet governance, promote meaningful dialogue, and highlight India's leadership in the global digital landscape.

• The theme for IIGF 2024 is "Innovating Internet Governance for India."
• This theme will guide discussions and activities focused on creating a secure, inclusive, and ethically governed Internet.
• The forum will explore the need for bridging the digital divide, improving trust and safety in the online environment, and utilizing advanced technologies for nation-building.

• Empowering Connections:
  • Discussions will focus on enhancing access to the Internet, ensuring inclusion, and safeguarding digital rights to bridge the digital divide.
• Legal and Regulatory Frameworks:
  • The forum will explore ways to create balanced, growth-oriented policies that strengthen Internet governance while ensuring digital justice.
• Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI):
  • The forum will promote the ethical and effective use of AI for societal benefit, ensuring AI technologies align with values of inclusivity, fairness, and accountability.
• Building a Greener and Sustainable Internet:
  • IIGF 2024 will highlight energy-efficient practices and focus on environmental sustainability within the digital space, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of the internet infrastructure.
• Trust and Safety:
  • Enhancing cybersecurity and fostering user confidence in the online environment will be a key discussion point. This includes strategies for building trust in digital platforms, data security, and privacy protection.

• Establishment: The IIGF was launched in 2021 as the Indian chapter of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (UN IGF).
• Mission and Purpose:
  • IIGF aims to foster collaborative discussions among stakeholders to address the challenges and risks of the digital world while maximizing the opportunities provided by the Internet.
  • The forum is multi-stakeholder and promotes dialogue between representatives from government, civil society, industries, technical communities, and think tanks.

• Inclusive and Collaborative Approach:
  • The IIGF is known for its inclusive approach, involving diverse stakeholders in shaping policies that aim for an open, secure, and accessible Internet.
  • It plays a significant role in addressing key issues like cybersecurity, digital inclusion, data privacy, and emerging technologies, while also looking to enhance digital rights and infrastructure.