OTTAWA – The Digital Governance Council (DGC), in partnership with the Global Initiative for Digital Rights (GIDR), convened the inaugural meeting of the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) on August 6, 2024.
The YAC, designed for youth aged 14-22, seeks to elevate the voices of young individuals in the development of digital governance standards. By incorporating their unique perspectives, the Committee aims to ensure that standards are not only inclusive and equitable, but also genuinely reflect the needs and concerns of the global youth community.
During the first meeting, YAC members were introduced to Digital Governance Standards Institute’s (DGSI) standards development process, with a particular focus on how youth can contribute to shaping these standards through participation.
In an open discussion, members of the Committee identified several key areas they wish to investigate further, including:
– Enhancing the integration of digital rights into business operations and improving privacy practices
– Addressing political misinformation, digital literacy, and the ethical use of AI
– Tackling cyberbullying and cybersecurity concerns, particularly with educational programs for youth
– Exploring human rights to internet accessibility and the protection of children’s digital rights
– Increasing youth awareness and protection regarding terms and conditions, data usage, and online consent
These priorities reflect the Committee’s dedication to developing standards that protect youth and empower them in the digital era.
“This partnership with the Digital Governance Council offers an unparalleled opportunity for youth voices worldwide to actively participate in shaping the regulatory landscape of our digital realm. This collaboration is set to redefine the way we safeguard our youth in the ever-evolving digital age, ensuring their voices are heard and their perspectives are integrated into crucial decision-making processes.”
– Sean Speegle, Executive Director, Global Initiative for Digital Rights
The YAC initiative underscores DGC and GIDR’s commitment to involving young individuals in shaping the standards that will define their digital future. The next quarterly meeting of the YAC is scheduled for October/November, where these issues will be further examined and explored.
For media inquiries:
Shyra Craig
Communications and Knowledge Mobilization Lead
Digital Governance Council
Shyra.craig@dgc-cgn.org
About the Digital Governance Council
The Digital Governance Council is a member-driven organization that acts as a cross-sector neutral convener for Canada’s executive leaders to identify, prioritize and act on digital governance opportunities and challenges. The Council leads an Executive Forum for council members, sets technology governance standards through the Digital Governance Standards Institute and certifies the compliance of Canadian organizations in the management of the effective and efficient use of digital technologies. To learn more about the organization and its initiatives, visit www.dgc-cgn.org or contact info@dgc-cgn.org.
About the Digital Governance Standards Institute
The Digital Governance Standards Institute develops digital technology governance standards fit for global use. The Institute works with experts, as well as national and global partners and the public to develop national standards that reduce risk to Canadians and Canadian organizations adopting and using innovative digital technologies in today’s digital economy. The Institute is an independent division of the Digital Governance Council. To learn more about the organization and its initiatives, visit www.dgc-cgn.org or contact info@dgc-cgn.org.
About the Global Initiative for Digital Rights
The mission of Global Initiative for Digital Rights is to strategically uplift marginalized youth voices in the realm of digital governance, and to advocate for widespread educational efforts on contemporary digital topics worldwide, in an equitable manner.