Under the Chairship of the United States in 2023, the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) reinforced the opportunities offered by digital technologies, and worked to address the challenges posed by the growing misuse of technology and threats to human rights, both online and offline.
As outlined in the 2023 Program of Action, developed by the U.S. in consultation with Member States and the FOC Advisory Network, the FOC focused its efforts on four priority policy areas building upon past chairships, including:
- Promoting and protecting fundamental freedoms;
- Countering growing authoritarianism and the misuse of digital technologies;
- Advancing norms, principles, and safeguards for AI; and
- Strengthening digital inclusion.
Ensuring the FOC remains an effective vehicle for Member States to address the trends, challenges, and opportunities relating to the Internet and digital technologies, the U.S., together with Coalition Members and in collaboration with the multistakeholder community, bolstered existing efforts where the FOC adds value, strengthened and expanded the Coalition, and increased ties between multilateral policy development and country-level development activities.
In-line with these areas of focus, in 2023 the FOC welcomed three new members including Iceland, Slovakia, and the Republic of Korea, bringing its membership to 38 countries. In addition, the Coalition welcomed its first Observer, Taiwan, in February of 2023.
The collaboration between Coalition Member States, in addition to input from the FOC’s Observer and the Advisory Network, and coordination with the FOC’s sub-entities, supported the implementation of Program of Action activities and the following key achievements throughout 2023:
- Issuing 5 consensus outputs, on topics including the government use of surveillance technologies, Internet shutdowns amid electoral periods, and rights-respecting donor investment.
- Hosting or participating in 16 panels or sessions during or on the margins of multistakeholder conferences and meetings held in Costa Rica, Croatia, Estonia, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
- Convening an FOC Ministerial Meeting, bringing 11 Ministers and 6 Deputy and Under-Secretary representatives from FOC and additional key G77 partners, the ITU Secretary General, and 7 Executive Level multistakeholder representatives, on Advancing the 2030 Agenda through Inclusive and Rights-Respecting Digital Policy on the margins of the 78th United Nations General Assembly.
- Improving the FOC’s operating mechanics by updating the FOC Terms of Reference, and further clarifying the Coalition’s working methods, mechanisms, and processes.
With the Netherland’s assuming the Chairship of the FOC in 2024, this year’s Program of Action will build upon the foundation laid by the U.S. Chairship and advance efforts to foster an open, free, and secure digital future shaped in an inclusive and collaborative manner. To learn more, visit the following page – Aims and Activities.
To view the 2023 End of Year report, visit the following link or view the document below.
