Central Asian Internet Governance Forum to discuss cybersecurity, Internet freedom and regulation

AKIPRESS.COM - The Ministry for Informational Technologies and Communications of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan will hold the 4th Central Asian Internet Governance Forum in Tashkent on May 15-16. The main purpose of the 4th Central Asian Internet Governance Forum is strengthening of the existing public platform for the discussion of policies regarding Internet governance in Central Asian countries. The Forum will address issues related to cybersecurity, Internet freedom and regulation, development of the DNS industry and access to the Internet as well as global and national approaches to Internet governance.
As more Central Asian citizens come online, the Internet itself is becoming a reflection of society, and of the global geopolitical climate. Cyber security, the protection of critical infrastructure, the status and rights of citizens in handling of their biometric data, and terrorist use of the Internet are issues that urgently require developing new approaches. With increased importance of digital media platforms for civic activism and expressing critical voices, most governments in the region are taking steps to introduce greater control, new surveillance tools and legal frameworks against online dissent.
These are difficult challenges that require a multi-stakeholder partnership of government, industry, and civil society to work together. For instance, renewed efforts are needed to promote basic digital hygiene and help citizens learn the skills necessary to protect themselves online and abide by recognized community standards - to help define acceptable online behavior. The challenge of the Internet of Things, is quickly becoming the challenge of the "Internet of everything" as new devices and services emerge, creating not only opportunities for new economic activity, but also significant cybersecurity challenges.
The Central Asian Internet Governance Forum is the public platform for the discussion of policies regarding Internet governance in Central Asian countries. The forum has been held since 2016. Every year more than 200 participants - representatives of the expert community all over the world meet to discuss issues related to global and national approaches to Internet governance, cybersecurity, Internet freedom and regulation, development of the DNS industry and access to the Internet, as well as Internet innovations and national strategies.