Advising the Global Network Initiative on a Public Engagement Mechanism

The Global Network Initiative (GNI) is a multi-stakeholder group of companies, civil society organizations, investors and academics who have created a collaborative approach to protect and advance freedom of expression and privacy in the information and communication technologies (ICT) sector. GNI provides resources for ICT companies to help them address difficult issues related to freedom of expression and privacy, including a framework of principles and implementation guidance. 

As part of the GNI's Governance Charter, the network has made a commitment to engage the public, in order to provide a platform to share information about GNI, receive feedback, and raise questions or concerns, with a view to strengthening the implementation of GNI's mission. Shift is supporting GNI in the development of this public engagement mechanism through a consultative process involving the different GNI constituent groups and select external experts. In light of these consultations, as well as its own research and expertise, Shift has provided GNI with a confidential report proposing design options for the public engagement mechanism, to inform its internal discussions and decision-making.