[Answered] The Global Digital Compact (GDC) was recently proposed by the United Nations to promote responsible use of digital technologies. Discuss the key principles of the GDC and the potential challenges in implementing these on a global scale, especially in the context of AI governance.

The Global Digital Compact (GDC) is a diplomatic instrument proposed by the United Nations (UN) to harness the potential of digital technologies for the common good. It seeks to promote responsible digital governance, inclusivity, and ethical AI use, drawing on existing frameworks like international law and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Principles of the Global Digital Compact (GDC)

• Digital Inclusion and Universal Connectivity: The GDC emphasizes bridging the digital divide by ensuring universal access to the internet, particularly in developing nations.
• Human Oversight and Ethical AI Governance: One of the core objectives of the GDC is ensuring that AI technologies are used ethically, with human oversight guiding their development and deployment.
• Data Governance and Digital Public Goods: The GDC proposes improving access to data through equitable and responsible governance. It aims to create “digital public goods” such as open-source software, open data, and open AI models, which can be shared globally to drive innovation and social change.
• Promoting Sustainability and SDG Alignment: The GDC stresses the importance of integrating digital advancements with sustainable development goals, using data to measure progress and guide policy actions.

Challenges in Implementing the GDC

• Non-Binding Nature and Limited Enforcement: The GDC is not a binding law but a diplomatic instrument, which means it relies on voluntary adherence by countries, institutions, and corporations.
• Diverging National Interests and Digital Sovereignty: Many countries are reluctant to adopt “data flow with trust,” preferring to keep data within their borders to protect their digital sovereignty. This divergence makes global cooperation on data governance and AI oversight challenging.
• Limited Solutions for AI Governance: While the GDC acknowledges the importance of ethical AI governance, it offers few concrete strategies to regulate AI systems. With AI technologies evolving rapidly, global consensus on ethical standards, accountability, and the prevention of bias is difficult to achieve. The increasing collection and processing of data for AI amplifies risks, particularly in countries lacking robust privacy laws.
• Monopolistic Control and Lack of Countermeasures: The GDC’s reliance on private corporations to self-regulate and manage data raises concerns about monopolistic practices.

Conclusion

The GDC is a forward-looking diplomatic initiative aimed at promoting responsible and inclusive digital governance.