Tech Global Institute warns WSIS+20 Rev2 weakens core safeguards and limits implementation pathways

Tech Global Institute (TGI) has submitted a detailed written response to the WSIS+20 Virtual Stakeholder Consultation on Revision 2 (Rev2), warning that the latest draft weakens fundamental safeguards while simultaneously narrowing the tools required for implementation. The submission highlights improvements in the text, including stronger references to women’s economic agency, a reaffirmed human-centric approach to technology, and explicit expectations that social media and surveillance-technology companies respect human rights. But TGI argues that these gains are outweighed by substantive regressions in other areas.

A central concern is the removal of concrete operational tools intended to manage risks linked to emerging technologies. TGI notes that while Rev2 recognises potential harms, it fails to mandate fundamental rights impact assessments or incorporate the precautionary principle in a way that would meaningfully guide implementation. Without these requirements, the organisation warns, the document risks leaving a gap between the principles it articulates and the ability of states or institutions to act on them.

The submission also stresses that the deletion of the ‘do no harm’ principle from the definition of digital public goods represents a notable normative setback. TGI argues that this principle is essential to ensure that open infrastructure and tools deployed under the WSIS framework remain aligned with human rights and environmental responsibilities.

Another major critique relates to financing. TGI warns that tying new actions to “existing mandates and resources” effectively locks the WSIS+20 agenda into current funding constraints, limiting the potential for scaled investment in digital inclusion, infrastructure, and capacity building. The organisation calls for explicit acknowledgement that new and innovative financial mechanisms will be required to meet global digital-development needs.

On surveillance, TGI welcomes the strengthened language on corporate accountability. However, it warns that the text remains silent on state surveillance practices, leaving a critical accountability gap. The organisation urges reinstatement of clear prohibitions on mass surveillance and the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality.

Finally, TGI calls for restoring a clear connection between WSIS+20 outcomes and the Sustainable Development Goals, arguing that digital transformation must remain anchored in the broader global development agenda.

TGI’s submission concludes that, while Rev2 advances some areas, the combined weakening of normative commitments and implementation pathways risks undermining the ambitions of the WSIS+20 review. The organisation urges revisions to ensure the final outcome document can meaningfully address digital divides and support rights-based governance of technology.

Read the full submission.