DIGITAL ECONOMY WORKING GROUP
G20 MACEIÓ MINISTERIAL DECLARATION ON DIGITAL INCLUSION FOR ALL
(Maceió, 13/09/2024)
1. We, the G20 Ministers responsible for the Digital Economy, convened in Maceió,Brazil, on 13 September 2024. Building upon the achievements and commitments ofprevious presidencies, we conducted discussions on digital inclusion, universal andmeaningful connectivity; on digital government and inclusive digital public infrastructure; onintegrity of information online and trust in the digital economy; and on artificial intelligencefor inclusive sustainable development and inequalities reduction.
2. We reaffirm the importance of building safety, resilience, security and trust andcreating an enabling, inclusive, open, fair, non-discriminatory, safe, secure and sustainabledigital economy that puts humans and their development at the center and enables theprotection, promotion and full enjoyment of human rights. We acknowledge the role ofinternational cooperation, partnerships, innovation, competition and entrepreneurship inthe digital sphere, and recognize the transformative power of digital technologies to bridgeexisting divides and empower societies and individuals including all women and girls andpeople in vulnerable situations. We thus commit to addressing the challenges andharnessing the potential of the digital transformation, bearing in mind the needs,circumstances and capacities of all countries, and of developing countries in particular,while aiming at the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, in order to see itsbenefits reach all corners of the globe.
3. We believe that our discussions at the G20 Digital Economy Working Group providedvaluable insights to our respective contributions to the ongoing discussions at the UnitedNations towards a Global Digital Compact, in the context of the Summit of the Future, whichwe hope will pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable digital future for all.
DIGITAL INCLUSION, UNIVERSAL AND MEANINGFUL CONNECTIVITY
4. We affirm our commitment to achieving universal and meaningful connectivity forall, considering that, despite growing digital connectivity, one third of the world’spopulation — the majority of which in developing countries, particularly in least developedcountries —, remains unconnected to the Internet, due to the lack of accessibility,affordability, digital literacy and skills. We reaffirm the G20 leaders commitment in 2023 tocut the gender digital divide in half by 2030. We recognize that closing this connectivity gaprequires coordinated and targeted efforts to address the specific needs of the underservedand unconnected, providing not only universal access through reliable, resilient and high-performance infrastructure but also a level of secure, sustainable and high-qualityconnectivity that enables users, including those in vulnerable situations, to have a safe, satisfying, enriching and productive online experience at an affordable cost: in other words,meaningful connectivity.
5. Monitoring and measuring this connectivity gap through objective indicators cancontribute to effective policy-making and stimulate investment. In this regard, weacknowledge ongoing efforts to develop indicators and metrics for the measurement ofuniversal and meaningful connectivity and to facilitate common understanding in terms ofguidelines for these indicators, taking into account the perspectives of the underserved andunconnected, as well as the particular contexts, needs and capacities of G20 members andbeyond. As a contribution to this dialogue, we welcome the “G20 Guidelines on Indicatorsand Metrics for Universal and Meaningful Connectivity”, developed in collaboration with theITU (annex 1) as well as the report “Universal and Meaningful Connectivity: A framework forindicators and metrics”, introduced during the Brazilian presidency.
6. We recognize that digital literacy and skills are essential to achieve meaningfuldigital inclusion. By equipping individuals with the ability to access, navigate, comprehendand utilize digital technologies, these skills can empower everyone to fully and safely engagein the digital world through critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving capabilities,which enable individuals to fully leverage digital tools and services for personal, educationaland professional development.
7. The Workshop on Universal and Meaningful Connectivity held this year at the G20DEWG discussed the potential role of innovative and inclusive financing mechanisms, as wellas creative funding implementation strategies and tools to bridge the digital infrastructuregap. Financing options from all sources, including international and regional developmentfinancial institutions, governments, civil society and the private sector, can play a criticalrole in advancing these efforts. In this regard, we acknowledge the value of having held the“G20 Seminar on the Digital Infrastructure Investment Initiative”, with the support of theITU.
DIGITAL GOVERNMENT AND INCLUSIVE DIGITAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
8. We reaffirm the importance of promoting an inclusive, open, accessible, equitable,human-centric, safe, secure, trusted, sustainable, development-oriented digitaltransformation, in which digital government services, including those based on digital publicinfrastructure (DPI), can play a key role in improving the responsiveness, effectiveness,transparency and reliability of the public sector in the digital era, while protecting privacy,personal data, human rights and fundamental freedoms. In this regard, we recall the “G20framework on systems of DPI”.
9. We acknowledge that digital identification, a basic DPI, can often be an entry pointto digital inclusion and a mechanism to reach target 16.9 of the Sustainable DevelopmentGoals, namely to “provide legal identity for all” by 2030. We recognize that trustworthydigital identity and effective authentication policies implemented in compliance with applicable legal frameworks on security, privacy and personal data protection can helpreduce barriers to accessing services and business opportunities, thus promotingtransparency, accountability, efficiency of government services and trust in the digitaleconomy, without discrimination. Taking into account and acknowledging that G20members and invited countries may have diverse approaches and stand at differentimplementation stages of policies regarding digital identification and authentication, wewelcome the “G20 General Principles on the Governance of Digital Identity” (annex 2),developed in collaboration with the OECD.
10. We recognize that data access and data sharing within jurisdictions, includingthrough interoperability, and in compliance with applicable legal frameworks, including onsecurity, privacy and the protection of personal data, human rights and intellectual propertyrights, can unleash the potential of data to both public and private sectors for publicinterest. In this regard, we also recognize the important role of open-source software, openApplication Programming Interfaces (API) and the international standards that supportthem, including open standards, as well as secure-by-design solutions. In the context of datasharing, we reaffirm the importance of enabling cross-border data flows and data free flowwith trust, while respecting domestic as well as international applicable legal frameworksand acknowledging the role of data for development. The “G20 Compendium on data accessand data sharing across public institutions and with the private sector for public interest”,introduced by the Brazilian presidency, constitutes a reference document for thedeployment and enhancement of data access and data sharing solutions, with appropriatesafeguards.
11. We acknowledge that digital government services, including those based on secureand privacy-preserving digital public infrastructure, may act as catalysts to inclusion in thedigital economy, as they have the potential to provide society-wide digital capabilities thatpromote innovation and sustainable development. The virtual workshop “DigitalGovernment and Inclusion”, organized by the G20 DEWG Brazilian presidency, placed at itscenter the dialogue regarding digital inclusion and the contribution of digital publicinfrastructure to an equitable digital transformation.
INTEGRITY OF INFORMATION ONLINE AND TRUST IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY
12. We recognize that digital platforms have reshaped the digital ecosystem and onlineinteractions by amplifying information dissemination and facilitating communication withinand across geographical boundaries. However, the digitization of the information realm andthe accelerated evolution of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, hasdramatically impacted the speed, scale, and reach of misinformation and disinformation,hate speech and other forms of online harms, a phenomenon exacerbated by a variety ofeconomic incentives in the digital domain. We emphasize the need for digital platforms’transparency and responsibility in line with relevant policies and applicable legalframeworks and seek to work with platforms and relevant stakeholders in this regard.
13. We thus recognize the relevance of promoting information integrity, understood asthe result of an information ecosystem that allows for reliable, diverse, accurateinformation and knowledge, in a timely fashion. In its absence, trust in the digital economy,in public institutions, as well as in governance and democratic processes may be affected,with negative effects on social cohesion and economic prosperity and the ability to exercisehuman rights. The protection of information integrity is also vital for maintaining confidencein the information ecosystem and scientific and historical knowledge and may minimizepolarization trends that particularly impact people in vulnerable situations. It may alsocontribute to mitigating political, social and economic instability, radicalization and violentextremism, while also facilitating responses to environmental degradation. As an effort tobetter assess the global extent of this phenomenon, the Brazilian presidency acknowledgesthe contributions of UNESCO to inform this debate.
14. G20 members and beyond may promote information integrity through differentapproaches, in manners that are consistent with international law and applicable legalframeworks, with meaningful participation of all stakeholders, and taking into account thespecific contexts of different countries. Since the ability to access and analyze information iscritical for building societal resilience against disinformation and misinformation, weencourage investments in online safety education and in digital media and informationliteracy, in order to raise awareness and assist users in identifying and mitigating risks ofonline harms, which disproportionally affect women and girls. In parallel, promoting asustainable and robust digital ecosystem and diverse and resilient information environmentis key, including through access to independent, factual and evidence-based information tocounter mis- and disinformation. While acknowledging applicable legal frameworks, weencourage countries to promote information integrity and trust in the digital environmentas per annex 3, which compiles examples of policies and governance measures aimed atenhancing digital platforms’ transparency and accountability to mitigate the risks of onlineharms, while safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms.
15. In order to protect and promote information integrity, the development anddeployment of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in information ecosystems, especiallywhen aimed at personalizing, moderating and generating content, should be ethical,transparent, auditable and accountable, with human oversight and in compliance withapplicable legal frameworks to ensure privacy, personal data protection and the respect ofhuman rights, fundamental freedoms and intellectual property. It is also important toeffectively mitigate biases, in particular those that may disproportionally affect people invulnerable situations. We believe that content authentication and provenance mechanismsand related technical standards may help identify AI-generated content, and enable users toidentify information manipulation. Transparency, with appropriate safeguards, andexplainability regarding data, algorithms and content moderation, that respects intellectualproperty rights, and privacy and data protection, can be key for building healthy informationecosystems. G20 members and invited countries encourage cooperation and information sharing on initiatives and best practices addressing the erosion of information integrity andits impact on the digital economy.
16. G20 members, invited countries, international organizations and participants fromthe civil society and the private sector had the opportunity to review the current stage ofglobal discussions on information integrity at the DEWG side event “Promoting informationintegrity: combating disinformation, hate speech and threats to public institutions online”.During that event, Brazil’s presidency announced the “Global Initiative for InformationIntegrity on Climate Change”, to be developed in partnership with the United Nations,UNESCO and interested countries.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR INCLUSIVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ANDINEQUALITY REDUCTION
17. We recognize that safe, secure and trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI), whenapplied in a transparent, ethical, responsible and reliable manner, may act as a catalyst forachieving economic growth and inclusive sustainable development within its threedimensions: social, economic and environmental. We reaffirm the G20 AI principles and theUNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. Building upon our Leaders’ consensus asreflected in the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration and building upon previouspresidencies, we reaffirm our commitment to leverage AI for good and for all, as well as tounlock the full potential of AI, share its benefits for all and mitigate its risks.
18. We acknowledge the ongoing international efforts and initiatives on AI, particularlythe adoption by consensus of the U.N. General Assembly resolutions “Seizing theopportunities of safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for sustainabledevelopment” and “Enhancing International Cooperation on Capacity Building of ArtificialIntelligence”, and look forward to the publication of the report of the Secretary-General’sHigh-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence.
19. We reaffirm our commitment to leverage AI for good and our determination to take abalanced approach that unlocks the full potential of AI, promoting an equitable access toand sharing of its benefits. We also underline our engagement to promote the benefits andmitigate risks derived from this technology by committing to risk-based and human-centric,development-oriented, innovation-friendly AI policy and governance approaches that areconsistent with applicable legal frameworks on security, privacy and protection of personaldata, human rights and intellectual property rights. We also highlight our commitment towork together to promote international cooperation and further discussions on AI forinclusive sustainable development and inequality reduction. In this sense, we welcome thedocument “Enabling resources for the development, deployment, and use of AI for goodand for all” (annex 4), leveraging the work of and in collaboration with UNESCO.
20. We equally recognize the challenges arising from the AI and other digital divides, andthe need to narrow the existing disparities within countries and between developed anddeveloping countries in terms of conditions, possibilities and capacities. We acknowledgethe need to find pathways to leverage AI for inclusive and sustainable development, as atool in combating poverty and contributing to global progress, to the benefit of all. Inaddition, while often global in reach, AI systems should seek to reflect a diverse range oflinguistic, sociocultural, racial and geographical contexts, based on varied andrepresentative datasets, to avoid reinforcing or perpetuating discriminatory or biasedapplications and outcomes throughout their life cycle.
21. Noting with concern the potential risk presented by AI in widening digital divideswithin and between countries, we call for the promotion of inclusive internationalcooperation in this domain, notably on capacity building, joint research and voluntarytechnology transfer and knowledge sharing, on mutually agreed terms, in order to expandparticipation of all countries, in particular developing countries, in digital transformation toharness the benefits and effectively participate in the development, deployment and use ofsafe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems, in a responsible and ethicalmanner. In that sense, we underscore the importance of enhancing the ability of allcountries, in particular the developing ones, to develop technical expertise and capacities,harnessing data and compute resources and realizing the potential of open-sourcetechnologies and systems and open data in delivering AI benefits at scale. The Brazilianpresidency presented a Toolkit for Artificial Intelligence Readiness and Capacity Assessment,produced with the support of UNESCO.
22. We acknowledge G20 members’ and invited countries’ initiatives to improve publicservices with AI-based solutions. The report “Mapping of AI Adoption for Enhanced PublicServices in the G20”, introduced during the Brazilian presidency, presents relevantopportunities and challenges faced by governments when adopting AI solutions. Weencourage further exchange and cooperation on the adoption of AI in various sectors, aswell as to tackle economic, social and environmental global challenges.
23. The G20 side event “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Social Equity andSustainable Development” was a chance for G20 members and invited countries to discusschallenges arising from the prevailing disparities in terms of conditions, possibilities andcapacities and explore potential solutions to equip governments and relevant stakeholders,including the private sector, academia and civil society, with the capabilities and toolsnecessary to respond to such challenges.
WAY FORWARD
24. We are grateful to all G20 members, guest countries and invited internationalorganizations for their contributions to the G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG)under the Brazilian presidency. We would like to especially thank the international organizations that worked with Brazil as knowledge partners: ITU, OECD and UNESCO, whocontributed and provided valuable feedback towards achieving the outcomes.
25. We also take note of the relevant efforts put forward by engagement groups andtheir valuable inputs to future work within the Digital Economy Working Group, notably theB20, C20, T20, S20, W20 and J20, among others.
26. As the next Presidency of the G20, South Africa looks forward to welcoming the G20to Africa. South Africa intends to build upon the achievements of past presidencies tobridge the digital divides, promote equality, and support inclusive sustainable developmentto improve people’s lives. We therefore welcome South Africa’s plans to further work onthe topics of Artificial Intelligence, the deployment of digital public infrastructure, DigitalInnovation Ecosystems to support MSMEs, and measures to further advance universal andmeaningful connectivity.
27. We hereby renew the terms of reference for the Digital Economy Working Groupand reaffirm our commitment to further advancing the objectives outlined therein.
Annexes to the Draft Ministerial Declaration
Annex 1
Guidelines on Indicators and Metrics for Universal and Meaningful Connectivity
Introduction
According to the International Telecommunication Union, universal and meaningfulconnectivity (UMC) means that everyone can access the Internet under ideal conditions andat an affordable price, anytime and anywhere. Specifically, UMC means that individuals,regardless of geographic location, socioeconomic status, race, gender, or any otherdemographic characteristic, have fast, reliable, affordable and secure Internet access that isalways available, along with the appropriate devices and sufficient digital skills to use iteffectively.
Incorporating measurement into national digital development strategies can help accelerateprogress towards achieving UMC. Sustained investment in measurement generatessignificant savings by enabling more targeted and tailored interventions and achieve moreimpact.
These Guidelines are voluntary. They point to a framework that highlights the importance ofmaking UMC a policy objective and why measuring UMC is essential in achieving thisobjective.
While infrastructure allows 95% of the world’s population to access the Internet1, actualusage lags, highlighting the need for more than just infrastructure. Barriers to adoptioninclude affordability, device availability, digital skills and digital literacy, connection quality,reliability, and content accessibility. These factors also affect the quality of the onlineexperience.
Measuring universal and meaningful connectivity
Accurate, timely, and granular data are essential for understanding current circumstances,designing effective interventions, efficiently allocating resources, and monitoring andevaluating progress. This is true across all domains, including information andcommunication technologies (ICTs) and digital connectivity.
A measurement framework is proposed for these Guidelines using the definition ofuniversal and meaningful connectivity. It features six dimensions and outlines for each keypolicy questions and the concepts to be measured:
§ Connection quality:
- Measurement objective: Assessing the speed, reliability, and stability of
Internet connections. § Availability for use:
- Measurement objective: Measuring the Internet use among individuals.
Evaluating the accessibility and convenience of Internet use in various contexts and locations.
§ Affordability:
- Measurement objective: Evaluating the affordability of Internet services relative to individual incomes. § Devices:
- Measurement objective: Evaluating the availability, affordability, variety, and suitability of devices used to access the Internet§ Digital skills:
- Measurement objective: Assessing individuals' competency and confidence in using the Internet effectively. § Security:
- Measurement objective: assessing individuals’ access to secure Internet connections and the security of end user online experience.
National averages can conceal vast differences, particularly in large and diverse economies.The proposed framework therefore recommends measuring the situation for alldemographic groups and locations in line with the goal of universality by ‘leaving no onebehind’.
Improving data availability through innovative approaches
In an era where data is generated at an unprecedented pace, new data sources, cutting-edge technologies, and advanced statistical methods can revolutionize data production,analysis, and utilization, and offer additional insight towards more efficient interventions.
Full adoption of these innovative approaches requires new skills, robust infrastructure,effective stakeholder coordination, and rigorous statistical methodologies to mitigatebiases, while protecting privacy and personal data.
Striving for universal and meaningful connectivity
Broaden digital strategies to encompass all dimensions of connectivity, beyond justinfrastructure, and aim for UMC, ensuring everyone, regardless of socioeconomicbackground or location, can access the Internet optimally and affordably anytime,anywhere.
Improving measurement and evidence-based decision making
Recognize the critical role of measurement in achieving UMC and adopt the proposed UMCmeasurement framework presented in these Guidelines. Collect data with appropriatesafeguards for as many ICT indicators within this framework as possible, especially thoserelated to individual use and access.
Strengthening national statistical systems
Adhere to the UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics.
Collaborate with the private sector, including through voluntary access to anonymizedprivate sector data on mutually agreed terms while ensuring the adequate protection ofintellectual property rights as well as privacy and personal data protection.
Participate in international efforts to modernize statistics, and efforts on new statisticalstandards for measurement of emerging topics.
Share knowledge and good practices among G20 members and beyond and promotetechnical assistance and capacity building for least developed countries national statisticalsystems.
Indicators for measuring UMC (non-binding and non-exhaustive)
Connectivity dimensions
Connection quality2:
o Households with access to broadband connections o Household with access to broadband connection by technology and speed o Mobile connection by technology (e.g., 4G, 5G)Availability for use:
o Frequency of Internet use
o Perception that the use intensity meets their needs o Internet use by type of location (e.g., home, workplace, educational institution, public areas, community centers, on the move)Affordability3:
o Price of fixed-household Internet connectiono Price of mobile data plan
o Price of mobile and fixed devices
o Availability of unlimited data package
Devices:
o Ownership of a smartphone
o Availability of devices in the household (number and type) o Diversified use of devices (e.g. smartphones, computers)Digital skills and digital literacy:
o Information and data literacy o Communication and collaborationSecurity:
o Adopting security measureso Adopting privacy procedures
Socioeconomic and demographic dimensions
Demographic:
o Priority: Age; Gender; Household size o Additional: Ethnicity; Migration status; Belonging to traditionalcommunities/groups; Disability status.
Economic:
o Priority: Education level; Household income. o Additional: Individual income; Workforce status (employed, unemployed,student, retired)
Location:
o Priority: Rural/Urban; Location (the more disaggregated the better) o Additional: Municipality size (number of inhabitants); Hard-to-reachterritories
[1] Source: ITU Facts and Figures 2023. Available at: https://www.itu.int/itu-d/reports/statistics/facts-figures-2023/
[2] Countries may want to use administrative data obtained from operator, public authorities, or automatic measurements (e.g.subscriptions, speed test data) to complement or replace household survey data on this topic, although administrative datararely allows for breaking down by key socioeconomic characteristics.
[3] Countries may rely on market data to measure affordability instead of on household surveys.
Annex 2
General Principles on the Governance of Digital Identity
In 2021, G20 Digital Ministers acknowledged that easily usable, reliable, secure, trusted, andportable digital identity solutions that guarantee privacy and the protection of personal datacould enable G20 Member States to meet the needs and expectations of users of public andprivate sector services4. Subsequent G20 discussions on digital identity took place in 20225and 20236.
G20 members and invited countries recognize the value of digital identity for achievingSustainable Development Goal 16:9 by closing the legal identity gap, facilitating access topublic services, empowering economic actors, and ensuring that the opportunities of thedigital age benefit all. Acknowledging the diverse approaches and contexts in whichcountries develop and deploy digital identity systems, G20 members and invited countries,supported by the OECD, have developed these ‘General Principles on the Governance ofDigital Identity’7. The aim is to promote enhanced governance of digital identity for thebenefit of people, societies, and economies.
Developing user-centered, sustainable, and inclusive digital identitysystems
Design and implement digital identity systems that respond to the needs of users, includingthose underserved and unserved and service providers.
Prioritize inclusion and equity and minimize barriers to the access to and use of digitalidentity.
Protect human rights, privacy, personal data, intellectual property, and prioritize securityand reliability to ensure trust in digital identity systems.
Promote accessibility, affordability, usability, and equity across the digital identity lifecycle.
Ensure that access to essential services is not restricted or denied to those who do not wantto or cannot access or use a digital identity solution by preserving non-digital ways to proveidentity.
Promote inclusive and collaborative stakeholder engagement throughout the design,development, and implementation of digital identity systems to establish a sustainableecosystem.
Strengthening the domestic governance of digital identity
Take a strategic approach to digital identity that aligns with local and national contexts anddefine clear mandates, roles, and responsibilities across the digital identity ecosystem whileseeking to promote cross-border interoperability.
Promote the use of international standards and open-source software, comply withapplicable legal and regulatory frameworks, and provide resources to enableinteroperability.
Promote digital identity solutions that are technology and vendor neutral as long as theymeet with all relevant security and reliability requirements and the use of internationallyrecognized technical standards.
Engaging in international cooperation on digital identity
Identify and align to the needs of all users, including vulnerable people and groups, takinginto account different domestic and international contexts, as well as service providers, toenable secure cross-border use of digital identity, while protecting human rights.
Engage in international cooperation to advance the understanding and alignment of digitalidentity governance and technical standards, as well as discussions on cross-borderinteroperability implementation, while considering disparities and differences amongcountries and regions, and balancing risks with benefits.
[4] Declaration of G20 Digital Ministers (2021)
Annex 3 Promoting Information Integrity and Trust in the Digital Environment
Information integrity is essential for the functioning and vitality of societies and economies.Measures that address the erosion of information integrity and push forward a positiveagenda to build a more resilient information ecosystem can be implemented by G20members and beyond. Solutions should take a comprehensive approach, tailored tonational or regional contexts, to create an environment for reliable and accurateinformation to thrive.
This annex outlines five axes, built with contributions by UNESCO, with possible approachesfor governments to strengthen information integrity while recognizing the relevance of awhole-of-society perspective:
1. Strengthening resilience
a. By countering digital divides and inequalities through policies that foster universal meaningful connectivity.
b. By building competencies that empower the public to value information integrity through media and information literacy programs helping individuals identify the risks and impacts, as well as the benefits, of platforms and new technologies can have on their rights and on information ecosystems.
c. By strengthening public service communication systems.d. By fostering research, development and innovation policies to promote information integrity.
2. Fostering the development and sustainability of content sources, enabling access to independent, factual and evidence-based information. a. By supporting policies that foster news, science and culture creators. b. By promoting diverse and resilient information ecosystems. c. By protecting and strengthening cultural diversity and ensuring intellectual property protection, including copyright protection of original content.
3. Enhancing transparency and accountability and incentivizing research a. By supporting measures that advance transparency and accountability within digital platforms.
b. By supporting independent research access to digital platforms and AI systems data, while protecting individual’s privacy and preserving confidential information, including industrial secrets.
c. By encouraging relevant digital companies to publish, in a transparent manner, comprehensive human rights due diligence regarding information integrity within their processes and products, with specialattention to protecting children and adolescents.
4. Upgrading information integrity governance and institutional capacity a. By considering appropriate policy approaches and governance systems, which may include regulatory, co-regulatory and self- regulatory measures applying to digital platforms and AI systems in a way that are consistent with the international law and applicable legal frameworks.
5. Incentivizing players to be information integrity-respectful a. By creating market conditions that enable the emergence and growth of market players and incentivize transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights in the information ecosystem, including among media outlets and digital platforms.
These axes and strategies are the bases for fostering an information ecosystem thatpromotes and protects information integrity, in a non-discriminatory fashion. In parallel, it iskey to safeguard freedom of expression and access to information, privacy and dataprotection.
Annex 4
Enabling resources for the development, deployment, and use of AI for good and for all
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being developed, deployed, and used across sectors andcountries. While creating tremendous opportunities in many domains, if suitable guardrailsare not in place, there is a risk that AI systems could reproduce and exacerbate societalbiases, economic inequalities, and digital divides, among others.
At present, not all countries have access to key enabling resources, nor have equitableaccess to all the benefits of AI. In this scenario, G20 members and invited countries play apivotal role in leading collaborative efforts to harness the potential of AI for inclusive andsustainable development and increase equitable access to the benefits of AI, both withinand among countries.
Countries’ ability to leverage the development, deployment, and use of AI for the good oftheir economies, societies and individuals may be supported by a robust enablingenvironment, including both physical and digital infrastructure, skilled human capital, andrelevant framework conditions. This may include the availability of data — including data onlocal contexts such as languages and cultures —, research capabilities, digital skills andtalent, suitable governance, institutional settings and a dynamic business sector.
These considerations are reflected in the Brazilian G20 Presidency's priorities: fosteringpartnerships and cooperation among countries and with relevant stakeholders,strengthening AI enabling environments, and ensuring digital and AI empowerment byenhancing national AI capacity and readiness in all countries, particularly in developingones.
Based on the Brazilian G20 Presidency contributions, supported by UNESCO, the followingfindings have emerged:
• Most G20 members and invited countries are actively engaged in shaping their institutional frameworks to support AI development, deployment and use, in line with their laws, regulations, and governance frameworks.
• Important gaps emerge in relation to the deployment of relevant AI resources for sustainable development.
• Innovation capacity related to AI differs across countries. Some countries produce more scientific productions related to AI, as measured by publications and citations.
Other proxies for innovation, such as patents filed for AI technologies, show similardiscrepancies.
• The safe, secure, and trustworthy development, deployment and use of AI systems in a transparent, ethical, responsible and reliable manner are increasingly becoming a cornerstone of national AI strategies.
• Most G20 members and invited countries have ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing skills for the digital era, including digital skills, and incorporating AI into secondary and higher education.
• In terms of social and cultural dimensions, a need for the introduction or implementation of policies specifically addressing the gender gap and the environmental agenda and its relationship with AI emerge.
In this context, the Brazilian G20 presidency outlined three axes to support the AI ecosystemdevelopment, with the following recommendations:
• Promote international collaboration and multistakeholder partnership
Recommendation: Enhancing exchanges on policies with a view to fostering interoperableframeworks to promote the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and deployment ofAI systems in an ethical and responsible way. These frameworks should promote economicgrowth, technological cooperation and development, as well as safeguard human rights,fundamental freedoms, inclusiveness, equity and accessibility. They should also enhancesocial welfare, facilitating interoperable approaches to AI to reduce inequalities and fosterinclusive sustainable development. This can help to effectively address the challenges andmitigate the risks related to it, including those related to personal data protection, privacy,consumer protection and data governance, placing AI at the service of individuals, economies,societies and the planet.
• Enhance AI enabling environments and capability building
Recommendation: Strengthening AI enabling environments and enhancing AI capabilitiesthrough investments in technology and corresponding infrastructure, as well as in educationand upskilling initiatives. Special emphasis should be placed on fostering collaboration withand providing targeted support to low- and middle-income countries and communities, tobridge digital divides, enhance AI-related resources, and improve the countries capacity todetermine their own digital and AI future. Promoting cooperation at all levels of AIdevelopments can help spur innovation and foster resilient AI ecosystems globally.
• Develop governance frameworks and policies
Recommendation: Developing and implementing agile innovation-friendly and forward- looking governance frameworks and policies that promote digital and AI empowerment.
These frameworks should enable countries to enhance their national AI capacity andreadiness, digital and AI governance, promoting the safe, secure, and trustworthydevelopment, deployment, and use of AI systems, in a transparent, ethical, responsible andreliable manner.
These targeted recommendations aim to utilize the diverse capabilities of G20 members andinvited countries to cultivate an AI ecosystem that supports an inclusive, sustainable,equitable growth and distribution of benefits.
DIGITAL ECONOMY WORKING GROUP