Global Network Initiative/ Action Coalition on Meaningful Transparency

"Concerns about the negative externalities from our growing reliance on digital communications services are well documented, and many stakeholders agree that meaningful transparency from digital communications companies is a critical step toward a more equitable and rights-respecting digital environment. In response, there have been a wave of regulatory and normative measures addressing transparency from digital platforms, with elements such as transparency reporting standards, data access regimes, and risk assessment and audit mechanisms. While these measures targeting global platforms will have significant ramifications, many of the conversations from policymakers and experts are centered in the global north, evidenced most by the landmark Digital Services Act in the European Union. As these measures turn from design to implementation stages, and new governments step in to regulate, it is critical that industry, civil society, and governments come together to ensure measures are meaningful, avoiding “ticking the box” exercises, and interoperable, avoiding unintended consequences for digital rights.
Using a hybrid panel format, representatives from global civil society organizations on the steering group will share experiences and lessons learned from their own experiences striving to define transparency frameworks, and companies and regulators will share markers of progress on meaningful transparency while speaking candidly about barriers they face."