Internet Accountability Forum spotlights global challenges to online freedoms

The event gathered policymakers, civil society representatives, researchers and private-sector actors to address how to uphold the principles of an open and rights-based internet amid growing digital fragmentation and authoritarian control.

A forum for dialogue

The Forum was held in two parts. The first day, co-organised with the Brussels Institute for Geopolitics, brought together a select group of experts to discuss disinformation, accountability in artificial intelligence, and the resilience of internet freedom ecosystems.

The second day was open to a wider audience from governments, academia, industry and civil society across regions. Through a series of panels, speakers examined how to balance accountability, security and rights in the digital sphere.

Launch of the Internet Accountability Compass

A key moment in Brussels was the launch of the Internet Accountability Compass . Developed through the EU-funded Global Initiative on the Future of the Internet, implemented by the Robert Schuman Centre at EUI, the Compass is now publicly available. It offers a practical tool to assess how countries are delivering on their digital commitments, helping strengthen transparency and trust.

States and non-state actors have endorsed principles of an open and secure internet through declarations such as the Declaration for the Future of the Internet. Yet without clear accountability mechanisms, these commitments often remain unfulfilled. The Compass aims to close this gap by tracking progress and providing a benchmark for international dialogue.

Key debates

Discussions at the Forum highlighted several recurring issues:

• Disinformation and censorship: State and non-state actors are increasingly using disinformation and censorship to restrict civic space and influence elections, underlining the need for stronger cross-border cooperation.
• Surveillance and digital authoritarianism: Participants warned of the risks posed by automated surveillance and biometric technologies. While these tools can serve security objectives, unchecked use undermines trust and human rights.
• Accountability of platforms and AI: Calls were made for clearer frameworks to ensure algorithmic transparency and responsible content moderation, while encouraging innovation.
• Preventing internet fragmentation: The threat of diverging technical standards and regulations creating a "splinternet" was a central concern, reinforcing the importance of global cooperation on interoperability.

Looking ahead

While the Forum was not designed to produce negotiated texts, it offered forward-looking insights. Participants stressed the importance of evidence-based policymaking, sustained multi-stakeholder cooperation, and embedding human rights in digital governance frameworks. The event also underlined the need for continued international dialogue to prevent fragmentation and keep the internet global and interoperable.

For the EU, these discussions are directly relevant to external action priorities on democracy, rule of law and human rights. Initiatives such as GIFI, and tools like the Internet Accountability Compass, ensure that Europe remains engaged in shaping global debates on digital governance.