GLOBAL  DIGITAL  COMPACT (GDC) : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Global Digital Compact (GDC):

  • Non-binding Instrument: Focused on regulating digital technologies for the common good, with soft law adoption as a long-term goal.
  • Influence of Previous Compacts: Builds on UN-led initiatives like the Global Compact for Sustainability and the Global Compact for Migration.
  • Transformative Power of Digital Technologies: Aims to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while addressing the challenges posed by digital technologies.
  • Global Cooperation: Emphasizes panels on AI governance, promoting responsible digital development.

Key Goals:

·         Closing the digital divide.

·         Ensuring equitable data governance.

·         Promoting trustworthy technologies in a competitive market.

  • Digital Public Goods: Proposes creating open-source software, open data, and AI models to drive social change.
  • Public-Private Partnerships: Involves partnerships to build digital public infrastructure but may limit openness due to intellectual property concerns.

Challenges:

·         Reliance on self-regulation by tech companies.

·         Risks from insufficient personal data protection.

·         Potential monopolistic control by corporations over data and technology.

  • UN Alignment: Aligns with UN’s digital governance efforts and links to SDGs but faces skepticism due to slow SDG progress.

Source : https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/global-digital-compact-advancing-digital-innovation-in-a-sustainable-fashion/article68732998.ece