South Asian countries, including India, have embraced technological advancements to meet the needs of a digital way of life. However, in recent years, there has been a troubling increase in government agencies conducting mass surveillance, violating privacy, and limiting online free speech, which has been compounded by the rampant spread of misinformation and fake news. It is in this context that the Digital Citizen Summit finds it pertinent to explore the various facets of digitalization in India and the challenges faced in enabling digital citizenship for all. While there has been a significant increase in rural and urban internet subscriptions, there are still significant disparities in access and digital literacy. It will highlight the need for safe and secure internet access, digital literacy, and freedom of speech, as well as the importance of balancing regulations to prevent the misuse of digital platforms. The summit will also discuss the potential risks associated with AI decision-making and the need for a participatory framework for social good. Most importantly, the event would emphasize the importance of envisioning a digital commons framework that is democratic, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable. In order to tackle some of the impending challenges at hand, the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) held its inaugural Digital Citizen Summit on November 11th, 2016. The summit aimed to create practical recommendations for policies and establish measures to support digital human rights. Building on this endeavour, DEF plans to hold its fifth Digital Citizen Summit in Hyderabad in November 2023.
The Digital Citizen Summit 2023 is an annual event organized by a team of experts in technology and social innovation that would bring together a diverse group of scholars, academics, practitioners, civil society organisations, and government representatives who are interested in technology, digital citizenship, and social innovation. The Digital Citizen Summit 2023 will be a three-day event that would feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, paper presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities. The aim of the summit is to provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by India and other countries as they navigate the complexities of digitalization and strive to create a more inclusive and equitable society. The summit is designed to foster collaboration, encourage innovation, and promote a deeper understanding of the digital world we live in. The summit promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring experience, providing attendees with the opportunity to share their experiences, ideas, and insights on the impact of technology on society, learn from leading experts in the field, network with like-minded individuals, and explore innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Venue: International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad