UN aims for a clean cyber space. United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has established first-of-its-kind panel on digital cooperation aimed at addressing concerns of
cybersecurity threats and rise in hate speech.
- The high-level panel on digital cooperation will be co-chaired by US philanthropist Melinda Gates and China-based Alibaba founder Jack Ma.
Structure of the Panel:
- The panel will have 20 members in total and include leaders from technology, public policy, science and academia etc.
- Senior Indian diplomat Amandeep Singh Gill along with former diplomat Jovan Kurbalija will be executive directors of panel’s secretariat.
Objectives of the Panel:
- It will map trends in digital technologies, identify gaps and opportunities and outline proposals for strengthening international cooperation.
- It will focus on cyber-bullying, abuse rise, fake news, cyber crime and security aspects.
Why it is needed?
- Digital technologies are expanding rapidly and are changing economies and societies at warp speed.
- At the same time, world is only beginning to address its dark side– such as cybersecurity threats, risks of cyberwarfare, magnification of hate speech and violations of privacy.
- Global community is also facing uncertainties about security, equity, ethics, and human rights in digital age.
- Fake news, poisoning of data, electoral manipulation are concerns that have been highlighted by recent developments.
- So there is need to seize potential of technology while safeguarding against risks and unintended consequences.
