UN Internet Governance Forum 2024 Kicks Off in Saudi Arabia Amid Global Scrutiny

The forum, hosted in Riyadh, brings together global stakeholders to discuss digital policy, while Saudi Arabia faces criticism for its human rights record and online censorship practices.

• The 19th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 15 to 19, 2024, under the theme 'Building our Multistakeholder Digital Future.'
• Over 10,000 participants from 175 countries are expected to attend, with discussions focusing on innovation, digital governance, human rights, and online safety.
• Saudi Arabia has been criticized by Human Rights Watch and other organizations for its ongoing crackdown on online freedom of expression, including lengthy prison sentences for peaceful social media activity.
• The United States plans to use the forum to advocate for rights-respecting digital policies and to engage with diverse global stakeholders on issues like countering ransomware and multilingual internet access.
• Concerns have been raised about the safety of civil society participants in Saudi Arabia, with some groups opting not to attend due to the host country's surveillance and repressive laws.

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United States Department of State Human Rights Watch Benzinga