10/01/2025
The Internet Society Lebanon Chapter (ISOC Lebanon) participated in the 19th edition of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) through its President, Mr. Charbel Chbeir, in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from December 15–19, 2024.
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a global multistakeholder platform that brings together diverse stakeholders to discuss public policy issues related to the Internet. The 2024 forum was hosted by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a hybrid format under the theme “Building Our Multistakeholder Digital Future.” The meeting addressed some of the most pressing Internet and digital policy issues, including Internet access, human rights, Internet fragmentation, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and emerging technologies.
A key focus of the event was on reducing the global digital divide. The discussions highlighted that this issue is no longer limited to the Global North-South disparity but has become a widespread concern, encompassing divides in computing power, algorithms, and data accessibility.
ISOC Lebanon contributed to several workshops through Mr. Chbeir's interventions. He addressed the topic of Artificial Intelligence and liability in autonomous vehicles, emphasizing responsibilities at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, particularly in cases of cyber threats and attacks. Additionally, he contributed insights on policies and regulations surrounding cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy, particularly concerning cross-border breaches and attacks.
ISOC Global also organized a networking event, providing an excellent opportunity to connect with other ISOC chapters, members of the IGF global community, ICANN representatives, and other key stakeholders in the Internet community.