Continuing with preparations for the high-level event of the World Summit for the Information Society (WSIS), and its review process that takes place during the year 2025, Data Privacy Brasil sent its contributions to the Open Consultation Process, carried out by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The event, which is co-organized by the ITU, UNESCO, UNDP, and UNCTAD, takes place in July, and this March, stakeholders were able to send their suggestions regarding the format and content to be debated, especially in light of the review process. As part of the preparatory process, these contributions will also be taken to the final preparation meeting on April 3, in a virtual format.

Among the topics we suggest for the WSIS review, the first is to address the underrepresentation of the topic of data protection in the Summit documents, formulated 20 years ago. Based on this understanding, we seek to update WSIS guidelines and objectives in light of a legal framework and fundamental rights regarding the processing of personal data. This leads us to a second recommendation for the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) agenda, where we highlight the importance of having an agenda based on rights principles, such as openness and transparency. 

In terms of evaluating the WSIS objectives, we suggest the development of metrics and indicators for a sustainable approach to Artificial Intelligence infrastructures (such as data centers), and also for data solidarity and reduction of asymmetries between the Global North and South. We also point out 3 priorities within WSIS Action Line 5 (C5), “Building trust and security in the use of Information and Communication Technologies”: combating the use of spyware; as well as the challenge of the current increase in fraud and cybercrime; and finally, prioritize access to justice and consumer protection (data rights). These topics require a priority view from national States and, simultaneously, global governance guidelines to establish a common territory of rights and use of data, thus strengthening the digital economy itself and enhancing the capabilities of citizens in this ecosystem.

Finally, one last point that we bring in the contribution concerns how the WSIS process and the multiple digital governance processes have been related. Our assessment of a lack of coordination between processes has already been posted in the NetMundial+10 Statement last year, and we pointed this out again within the context of WSIS: feedback mechanisms are needed between local and global processes. Only with strong local structures can global governance guidelines be successfully applied. 

Data Privacy Brasil continues to monitor the WSIS+20 process that takes place throughout the year and contributes with civil society partners to seek mechanisms that ensure rights and development in digital governance.

Access the complete contribution here.

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