Global Digital Compact: advancing digital innovation in a sustainable fashion

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 11)

 Overview of the Global Digital Compact (GDC)

• The Global Digital Compact (GDC) was recently adopted at the ‘Summit of the Future’ organised by the United Nations.
• This groundbreaking instrument aims to harness and regulate digital technologies for the common good, marking a significant step in international digital governance.

Nature of the GDC

• The GDC is a non-binding diplomatic instrument that outlines shared goals for governments, institutions, firms, and stakeholders.
• While it is not legally binding, increased adherence could lead to its terms evolving into soft laws within individual countries.

Background and Objectives

• Building on previous UN initiatives, the GDC recognizes the transformative impact of digital technologies on society.
• While these technologies can facilitate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), they also present significant challenges.

Goals and Structure

• The GDC focuses on ensuring human oversight of technologies to promote sustainable development.
• It aims for global cooperation in data governance and digital technologies, with member countries committing to establish two panels: an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

Proposed Digital Public Goods

• To bridge the digital divide, the GDC advocates for digital public goods such as open-source software and open AI models.
• These goods are seen as crucial for creating a digital public infrastructure that can deliver essential services effectively.

Challenges and Criticisms

• The GDC faces several lacunae:
  • Openness in public-private partnerships may be restricted by contractual requirements, limiting transparency.
  • The Compact lacks new frameworks for internet governance and relies on self-regulation from digital technology companies, which has historically proven ineffective.
  • It acknowledges the importance of interoperable data governance but fails to adequately address the risks associated with increased data collection and sharing.
  • The GDC grants more power to corporate entities in data governance without emphasising necessary countervailing measures to prevent monopolistic control.

Conclusion

• Ultimately, the GDC may not radically transform global digital governance.
• However, it holds the potential for significant outcomes if member states engage seriously with its goals.
• It could foster capacity building and collaborations between nations in developing digital public goods, thus facilitating a more equitable digital landscape.