Shattered Neutrality: Internet at Crossroads of War and Geopolitics – TOPIC 01 Sub 01 2023
20 June 2023 | 10:30 - 11:15 EEST | Auditorium
Consolidated programme 2023 overview / Main Topic 1
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Main Topic 1: Impact of the war
Subtopic 1: Shattered Neutrality: Internet at Crossroads of War and Geopolitics
Proposals: #51 #62
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In the midst of the chaos and devastation of war, can technology truly maintain its neutrality? This session invites you to explore the intricate relationship between the internet and the geopolitics of war. We will deep dive into the multifaceted ways in which the internet not only influences but is also profoundly influenced by the turbulent dynamics of warfare. Join us for a collaborative and forward-thinking discussion, as we navigate the challenges of internet neutrality against the backdrop of Russia's military invasion of Ukraine.🕊️
Session description
In recent years, the internet has emerged as a powerful tool that can shape the outcome of conflicts and influence geopolitical dynamics. The Russian military invasion of Ukraine serves as a stark example of how the internet's role has transformed from a neutral platform for communication and information sharing to a weapon of war and a tool for manipulation. Our discussion will commence by engaging participants in a critical examination of whether technology can truly remain neutral in the face of chaos and destruction wrought by armed conflicts. We will critically analyze the biases, power dynamics, and political interests that permeate digital systems, challenging the notion of internet as a neutral domain. Furthermore, we will explore the profound implications of the internet's role during the Russia’s war against Ukraine and shed light on the ways in which the internet can be harnessed as both a weapon, influencing public opinion and perpetuating the conflict, and a platform for resistance. The session will also emphasize the importance of fostering dialogue and exploring avenues for leveraging the internet as a force for peace, accountability, and humanitarian aid in war-torn regions.
Format
Spotlight Talk
As the opening session of EuroDIG 2023, the Spotlight Talk sets the tone for subsequent discussions by addressing the pressing topic of Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine — an unprecedented conflict in the heart of Europe that reverberates worldwide. This format allows us to delve directly into the core issues, featuring guest speakers who will provide initial insights into the complex interplay between the internet and the geopolitics of war. The session seamlessly evolves into an interactive discussion, inviting active participation from the audience and fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.
Further reading
Links to relevant websites, declarations, books, documents. Please note we cannot offer web space, so only links to external resources are possible. Example for an external link: Main page of EuroDIG
"Geopolitical neutrality of global internet" Round table discussion at 2022 IGF https://isoc.live/16116/?fbclid=IwAR35nC1iYpbSfTaxGdb84jq5p46Gm_KI8yoNo44q_FM_A3iem9EWWTQEK1k
People
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SME
- Olivier MJ Crépin-Leblond
- Tatiana Tropina
- Yrjö Länsipuro
The Subject Matter Experts (SME) support the programme planning process throughout the year and work closely with the Secretariat. They give advice on the topics that correspond to their expertise, cluster the proposals and assist session organisers in their work. They also ensure that session principles are followed and monitor the complete programme to avoid repetition.
Focal Point
- Olga Kyryliuk
Focal Points take over the responsibility and lead of the session organisation. They work in close cooperation with the respective Subject Matter Expert (SME) and the EuroDIG Secretariat and are kindly requested to follow EuroDIG’s session principles
Organising Team (Org Team) List Org Team members here as they sign up.
- Emilia Zalewska
- Amali De Silva-Mitchell
- Vittorio Bertola
- Dušan Stojičević
- Marlene Straub
- Fotjon Kosta
- Vlad Ivanets
- Oksana Prykhodko
- Roberto Gaetano
The Org Team is a group of people shaping the session. Org Teams are open and every interested individual can become a member by subscribing to the mailing list.
Key Participants (onsite)
Miapetra Kumpula-Natri - Member of the European Parliament (Finland)
Adam Peake - Senior Manager for Global Civil Society Engagement at Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
Olga Kyryliuk - Digital Rights Coordinator at Internews; Chair at South Eastern European Dialogue on Internet Governance (SEEDIG)
Moderator (onsite)
Dušan Stojičević - Marketing Director for Eastern Europe at Gransy; Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors at Serbian National Internet Domain Registry (RNIDS)
Remote Moderator
Trained remote moderators will be assigned on the spot by the EuroDIG secretariat to each session.
Reporter
Reporters will be assigned by the EuroDIG secretariat in cooperation with the Geneva Internet Platform. The Reporter takes notes during the session and formulates 3 (max. 5) bullet points at the end of each session that:
- are summarised on a slide and presented to the audience at the end of each session
- relate to the particular session and to European Internet governance policy
- are forward looking and propose goals and activities that can be initiated after EuroDIG (recommendations)
- are in (rough) consensus with the audience
Current discussion, conference calls, schedules and minutes
See the discussion tab on the upper left side of this page. Please use this page to publish:
- 19 April 2023 - preparatory call
Messages
A short summary of the session will be provided by the Reporter.
Video record
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Transcript
Will be provided here after the event.