Global Digital Compact (GDC)
An international diplomatic instrument adopted at the UN’s "Summit of the Future" aimed at harnessing and regulating digital technologies for the common good.
Its Purpose
To ensure human oversight of digital technologies while promoting sustainable development and addressing challenges posed by digitalization.
Objectives
Ensure everyone has access to digital technologies and data.
Support open-source software, open data, and best practices in digital governance.
Encourage partnerships between governments, institutions, and private sectors for effective governance of digital technologies.
Challenges
Public-private partnerships may restrict transparency due to contractual obligations.
Reliance on tech companies to self-regulate has proven ineffective.
Increasing data collection without strong privacy laws can pose significant risks.
Giving corporate entities more power in data governance may lead to monopolistic practices.
GDC's Link to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The GDC aligns its objectives with the SDGs, emphasizing that digitalization can play a crucial role in achieving these goals.
The SDGs were set in 2015, prior to the current AI revolution, raising questions about the GDC’s potential effectiveness.
Importance of Multilateralism
Effective governance of digital technologies requires cooperation at both global and regional levels.
Multilateral and regional negotiations are essential to address jurisdictional and local needs.
The GDC can facilitate collaborations and capacity building, especially in developing nations.
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