In November 2023, UNESCO member states adopted the Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms: Safeguarding freedom of expression and access to information through a multistakeholder approach. This was achieved through Unesco’s ‘Internet for Trust’ (I4T) initiative.
The I4T Knowledge Network was launched in February 2024, convening more than 50 international think tanks, researchers and initiatives to serve as a trusted interface for stakeholders in the implementation of the Guidelines. Key focus areas include: effective multi-stakeholder approaches, human rights protection, influencing tech design upstream and acting effectively in times of crisis.
Below are resources compiled by the I4T Knowledge Network for use by government regulators, civil society, policy influencers and technology companies. Have resources you’d like to share here? Send them to us.

GUIDANCE AND EXAMPLES OF MULTI-STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT:

  1. NETmundial+10 Multistakeholder Statement Strengthening Internet governance and digital policy processes (São Paulo, Brazil, April 30th, 2024), including Guidelines and process steps (“Guidelines”) for multi stakeholder collaboration, consensus-building and decision-making.
  2. Learning from the Global Network Initiative, a multi stakeholder collaboration to protect freedom of expression and privacy in tech. Here’s their Content Regulation and Human Rights Policy Brief,  and their How-To Guide for Civil Society on engaging tech companies on Human rights. 
  3. Learning from multi-stakeholder collaboration in tackling violent extremism: Example of the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT ). Here’s why it’s effective.
  4. The Elections Coalition Playbook (2024) by Anchor Change, highlighting examples of multi stakeholder efforts to tackle information integrity challenges during elections.

LOOKING UPSTREAM : TECH REGULATION FOR A TRUSTWORTHY INTERNET

  1. Preventing Tech-Fueled Political Violence: What online platforms can do to ensure they do not contribute to election-related violence
  2. Content governance & Platform Accountability in Times of Crisis, by Access Now
  3. Exploring Tech Company Responsibility In Armed Conflict: Learning Series by GNI
  4. The Legislative Tracker on Tech Policy, a database of tech policies adopted from across the world, compiled by the Integrity Institute
  5. A wealth of resources, research and policy trackers at CELE’s Regional Observatory of  Legislation on Freedom of Expression in Latin America
  6. Tech Platforms Election Policy Database, from 1996 to present, by Integrity Institute and the Bipartisan Policy Center.
  7. A concise Social Media Design Advocacy Guide for 2024, and the Neely Center Social Media Design Code, from University of Southern California’s Neely Center for Ethical Leadership
  8. Towards Prosocial Design Governance, outlining how to influence tech design to prevent polarization and violence, by the Council on Tech and Social Cohesion. For more on ProSocial Design efforts and examples, subscribe to the Substack of the Council on Tech and Social Cohesion.

MANAGING CRISES WHILE PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS

  1. Towards a global approach to digital platform regulation: Preserving openness amid the push for internet sovereignty, by Chatham House and Global Partners Digital.
  2. Artificial Intelligence for Electoral Management, by International Idea
  3. Beyond Ethics: Why a Rights-Based Framework is Essential for AI Governance
  4. How different tech platforms respond, with this University of Palermo 2021 report “Fake News on the Internet, actions and reactions of three platforms.”
  5. The regulatory compliance of products with embedded artificial intelligence or other digital technologies,  White Paper published by UNECE.
  6. UNCTAD’s draft paper “Data for Development“, including a section comparing digital policy frameworks between the USA, China and Europe.