Hi.

AS already noted yesterday, there have been multiple objections to texts in the Global Digital Compact rev.3, filed before the deadline (3 p.m. July 16) for the silence procedure, announced by the co-facilitators last Friday.

We discussed in our webinars on Monday that in the case there are objections, the texts upon there are objections – and only these texts – will be open for further negotiations. To remind everyone, the negotiations will be taking place at the UN, among member states only, and in the next few weeks.

WE now know that some of the texts we discussed, have been objected to.

From the section Internet Governance there are objections to these texts:

27. We recognize that Internet governance must remain global in nature, with the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society, international organizations, technical and academic communities, and all other relevant stakeholders in accordance with their respective roles and responsibilities. We reaffirm the role of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) as the primary multistakeholder platform for discussion of Internet governance issues. 

28. We commit to: 

(b) Uphold and support the IGF, including through the provision of voluntary funding, and continue efforts to increase diverse participation from all stakeholders (SDG 9 &10); 

(d) Refrain from Internet shutdowns and measures that target Internet access, and ensure that any restrictions on access to Internet services and freedom of expression are in compliance with international law, including with the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and non-discrimination (SDG 16). 

And other texts, from other parts of the GDC:

67. We will build on the processes emanating from the WSIS, including multistakeholder platforms such as the IGF and the WSIS Forum, to advance implementation of Compact commitments and actions. 

70. The IGF and its national and regional networks have an important role to play in implementation and follow up of the Compact. We invite the Forum, in the context of the WSIS+ 20 Review, to consider an annual policy discussion track to facilitate the contribution of stakeholders to the delivery of the Compact’s commitments and actions. 

As soon as we know what the actual objections are, we will share some analysis.  

Best,

v/