“Citizens and governments are increasingly debating whether the time has come to impose restrictions or rules on internet platforms and other players who use the internet to conduct their business or advance their causes.”
Governance Innovation for a Connected World conference report
Despite our increasingly digitized societies, online privacy is a growing concern for the majority of global users. Through research and collaborative partnerships, CIGI experts are sharing greater understanding of internet users’ risks and rights in a global digital world.
The latest CIGI-Ipsos survey of global internet users revealed that a majority are concerned about online privacy and reported high levels of distrust of social media. The survey gained broad attention thanks to a live Facebook launch at the RightsCon summit on human rights in the digital age, and support from partners Ipsos Public Affairs, the Internet Society and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
In March, CIGI partnered in a high-profile event that brought together Silicon Valley leaders to find ways to protect rights such as freedom of expression, diversity and civic engagement. Mélanie Joly, former Minister of Canadian Heritage, joined Fen Osler Hampson, director of CIGI’s Global Security & Politics Program, and Eileen Donahoe, CIGI distinguished fellow and executive director of Stanford’s Global Digital Policy Incubator, in conversation about democratic roles and responsibilities in a connected world.