This week's typeright is based on reflections by Maitri Singh, from DEF's Research and Advocacy Division, who attended the 7th Youth IGF forum last month at IIM Bangalore.

I recently attended the 7th Annual Forum of the Youth Internet Governance Fellowship (YIGF) at IIMB. While working at Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) gives one a broader understanding of the digital world from the perspective of civil society, at YIGF, I had the pleasure of meeting people from different walks of life who represented different stakeholder groups from civil society, tech and business, law as well from the government with varied levels of expertise in the digital ecosystem. The forum offered an open platform to discuss and raise the everyday evolving challenges as well as opportunities in the Internet governance space. Subjects such as AI governance, digital inclusion, digital and business and cybersecurity, and most importantly, the importance of multistakeholder collaboration became the central focus of the forum. Among all the participants, inclusive of students, academicians, domain experts, and the selected fellows, there was a strong sense of understanding that the future of the internet is something we all have a role in shaping, and therefore our efforts have to be aligned in making the internet “equitable, just and inclusive”. The forum started with a session on Demystifying Internet Governance (IG) Issues – Global & Indian Perspectives, exploring how the pace of technological innovation, especially artificial intelligence should be balanced with the need for safety and security. In the session one of the primary concerns highlighted was the increased reliance on data that is AI-generated, as it could lead to issues like "model collapse"1 if not managed properly. For me, the session highlighted the importance of safety nets in policy frameworks to prevent unintended AI consequences.

The discussions further delved on the vulnerabilities faced by peri-urban populations in India and how policies, like Tamil Nadu Data Policy (TNDP)2 in Tamil Nadu could serve as models for balancing privacy alongside innovation. It was discussed how global powers like the USA, China, and India have been engaging with AI governance, with India having the most balanced approach at leading AI governance due to its “jugaadu”3 approach. There was another session on the Internet Governance Ecosystem, which traced the history and development of the organisations that have played an important role in shaping the Internet’s infrastructure. Speakers helped in breaking down the complex web of institutions such as ICANN, ISOC, and RIRs, which govern different parts of the internet’s framework. What stood out in this session was the emphasis on collaboration and consensus-building, which ensures that no single entity has too much control over the internet. The discussion specifically highlighted the growing influence of major corporations and the importance of maintaining a balanced, multi-stakeholder approach and how state-level policies can be adapted and scaled across different regional contexts. It reinforced the idea that policy experimentation at the state level can serve as models for national frameworks.

Marten Botterman from ICANN in his presentation explained the history of Internet governance and the need for cooperation among governments, civil society, and private sector players. He discussed how the internet has evolved, and also touched on the watershed moments like the publication of the TCP/IP standard and the shift to online operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. I also learnt about the idea of the "Four Internets"—a concept that talks about how different political climates are shaping different versions of the Internet.

The panel discussion on Preparing Youth for the AI-Driven Future was one of the most engaging sessions. Analyzing the ethical challenges posed by AI and its growing impact on the workforce, the panel talked about the importance of creating risk assessment frameworks to ensure AI is used safely, especially in high-stakes industries like finance and aviation. There was also a discussion about AI bias and the importance of transparent governance. The forum also addressed the growing concerns about Cybersecurity in a Connected World. Speakers talked about the increasing threat of ransomware attacks and the importance of cloud security, as more businesses are shifting to cloud-based services. It was discussed that while digital technologies open up vast opportunities, they also introduce significant vulnerabilities.

One of the most interactive parts of the event was the Stakeholder Roleplay, where participants took on the roles of various stakeholders involved in AI governance. In a scenario where a virus is detected in a region, the stakeholders were required to come up with solutions of whether to impose internet shutdown or not; if yes, what kind of shutdown would it be and what would be the rationale behind every decision? The exercise showed how difficult it is to balance encouraging innovation and protecting the public interest. It also showed how critical it is to have diverse perspectives at the table. One of my key learnings from this roleplay was how different stakeholders make decisions and considerations they go through before taking decisive steps. What became evident during this exercise is that civil society and the general public are often the last to be considered in decision-making processes, as they hold less authority and influence compared to other stakeholders. The final session on Internet Governance—Meaningful Access & Connectivity was a good conclusion to the forum, with domain experts raising the issue of unequal access to the Internet, particularly in rural and marginalised communities and stressing the need for meaningful access, so that the Internet is not only made available but also ensured to be safe, affordable, and inclusive.

Being part of the 7th Annual Youth Internet Governance Fellowship was an exciting experience for me as it offered a space for me to understand and observe the world of Internet governance more closely. It left me with a strong sense of belief that the future of the internet is in our hands and that the youth of this country have a crucial role to play as stakeholders and changemakers in responsibly shaping the digital future.

Further related readings:

1. Digital Empowerment Foundation. (2024). The digital journey to Swaraj imprints. Retrieved from https://www.defindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/The-Digital-Journey-to-Swaraj-Imprints_Online-1.pdf

2. Digital Empowerment Foundation. (2024). DEF-YKA book publication. Retrieved from https://www.defindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DEF-YKA-Book-Publication_Online.pdf

3. Internet Governance Forum.IGF annual meetings proceedings. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from https://www.intgovforum.org/en/content/igf-annual-meetings-proceedings 4. IT for Change. Annual reports. Retrieved January 16, 2025, from https://annual-reports.itforchange.net/reports/

5. Youth Internet Governance Forum. Youth Internet Governance Forum. Retrieved from https://youthigf.in/

What DEF Published

Why do women-led social enterprises succeed? Reflections on International Women’s Day- Maitri Singh and Abner Manzar write:

Why do women-led social enterprises succeed? Reflections on International Women’s Day

Digital spaces, being part of broader societal structures, often mirror and perpetuate the existing inequalities and disparities in any society or nation. Consequently, marginalised groups, particularly women, frequently find themselves in disadvantaged positions compared to men in accessing their rights and needs. Digital Rights, SoochnaPreneurs, Women-led social enterprises Digital spaces, being part of broader societal structures, often mirror and perpetuate the existing inequalities and disparities in any society or nation. Consequently, marginalised groups, particularly women, frequently find themselves in disadvantaged positions compared to men in accessing their rights and needs.

maktoobmedia.com

Empowering rural women with digital tools not only closes the gender divide—it also accelerates progress in multifaceted ways. As part of our reflections on Women’s Day, this piece explores why hyper-local, women-led social enterprises create more sustainable impact compared to those led by men.

Women’s Role in Transforming Digital Education in Rural India

The role of women in care work and reproductive labour has been discussed extensively in popular media and critical feminist scholarship. In a rapidly digitalising country, patriarchy has successfully penetrated the digital realms, reinforcing divides that are not only spatial between the rural and the urban but starkly gendered, too.

defindia.org

India's rapid transition to 5G marks a major milestone in our digital journey. With telecom giants investing in multi-billion dollar contracts, faster internet speeds are becoming a reality. In fact, 5G has propelled India’s internet speed rankings, placing us ahead of many G20 countries. However, as highlighted in the article authored by Osama Manzar and Dr. Arpita Kanjilal in Maktoob Media, the digital divide remains a challenge. While urban areas thrive, rural internet penetration is still considerably low. Are we truly progressing together, or are marginalized communities being left behind? Read the full piece here:

From 2G to 5G: Is India moving forward or leaving people behind?

Approximately 300 million Indians still rely on 2G connectivity, primarily from low-income, rural, and marginalized communities. For these users, the transition to 4G or 5G is not just a matter of upgrading technology—it is a complex issue intertwined with affordability, accessibility, and socio-economic disparities. 2G, 5g, Digital, Digital Rights

maktoobmedia.com

A piece on how AI is enabling rural women to become digitally empowered by DEF's Raina Ghosh:

How ‘DiDi’- an AI Chatbot is becoming the Tech-Guru for Rural Women

Until a few months back, Kalawati, a housewife from rural Ajmer, would mostly watch videos and reels on her son’s smartphone. Like her, many rural women across the country are made to hear, 'Phone to mardon ke liye hota hai. Aurton ke haath me phone aye toh bas bigadne ka darr satane lagta hai” (Phones are meant for men—when a woman gets a phone, there is a fear of her going astray).

defindia.org

DEF Updates

Join us for WSA 2025 and

and the International Conference on Public Policy, both happening in Hyderabad-

Digital Financial Literacy for Rural Women! In Bokaro District, Jharkhand, we're empowering rural women with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital financial world.

Through a one-day workshop, participants learned how to use online banking, mobile payments, insurance, and access government schemes—paving the way for financial independence and a secure future. By bridging the digital divide, we are ensuring that women in rural communities gain the confidence and tools they need to manage their finances effectively.