IGF 2018 WS #309
Victims of our own Success?

Judith Lichtenberg from the GNI will start the panel by describing two globally relevant trends: (i) the increase in the number of government-induced network shutdowns/disruptions; and (ii) the uptick in efforts by government authorities to access user data. She will frame the panel discussion by noting a number of scenarios where governments appear to be seeking greater access to and control over communications networks in order to be able to access and/or disrupt communications without having to make formal, legal demands upon telecommunications operators. Patrik Hiselius from Telia Company will outline the steps that Telia and other companies take consistent with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) to examine and limit the potential human rights impact of government demands to either disrupt networks or provide access to communications data. Usama Khilji will discuss efforts across South Asia to understand and address underlying government concerns in order to avoid disproportionate and/or unnecessary actions that could violate international human rights standards. Ashnah Kalemera will discuss work done by civil society and ICT companies to assess the impacts of government actions to disrupt networks or access user data. Judith will then offer panelists an opportunity to comment on each others presentations, and then provide the audience with opportunities to intervene. 3-5 questions/comments will be taken from both in-person audience and the online audience before returning to the panel for reactions/responses. This will be repeated until there are 5 minutes left, at which point Judith will provide each panelist an opportunity to provide closing remarks.