At auDA we recognise that technology leaders of tomorrow are built today so today we introduce our first Emerging Leader of Tech, an extension of our Leaders of Tech interview series.
Charlotte Fang Hendro studies law and data science at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). She is the Sponsorship Director at UNSW’s Women in Technology society and a .au member. In July 2023, Charlotte was selected from more than 200 applicants to represent Australia at the Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA) in Seoul, Korea. We spoke to Charlotte about her experience at APIGA and the importance of youth involvement in internet governance processes.
You recently spent a week at the Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA) 2023, which shapes Asian Pacific internet governance leaders of the future. What inspired you to get involved?
Growing up as a “digital native”, the internet and technology is something that has always been closely intertwined with our everyday lives, for better or worse. However, it was a specific incident that I believe served as a catalyst for my deeper interest in internet governance – the series of data breaches in late 2022, which affected many Australians including my own family, and demonstrated the urgency of effective governance in our increasingly digital world.
Following these events, I wanted to find ways to actively contribute to ensuring a safer and more secure digital landscape. More specifically, my involvement at APIGA was fueled by a strong desire to enhance my understanding of internet governance and to collaborate with like-minded individuals from around the world. The Academy presented a unique opportunity to connect with participants and mentors who share a passion for internet governance and share their own insights and expertise.
What are your top three takeaways from the program?
1. The importance of the multi-stakeholder model
While a foreign concept to me before joining APIGA, I’ve learnt that this is a fundamental framework that informs most of the discussions regarding Internet Governance and is a crucial process to shaping the future of the Internet.
2. A global perspective on internet governance
Learning alongside peers and mentors from across Asia Pacific expanded my horizons and exposed me to a wide array of perspectives and community-driven issues within the realm of internet governance. Connecting with fellow participants allowed me to grasp the major challenges faced by different regions and cultures.
3. The next steps in internet governance
By the end of the program, I felt encouraged by the various opportunities and pathways available to continue participating in the internet governance space. Whether at the local, regional, or global level, I now understand the potential for meaningful contributions to the future of the internet.
You’re currently studying law and data science. In what ways are these disciplines important to internet governance and the internet sector?
In the context of internet governance and the internet sector, the discipline of law is vital for establishing legal frameworks that protect digital rights, ensuring equitable access, and setting guidelines for the responsible use of technology. Legal expertise enables the development of policies that balance digital innovation and individual rights, contributing to a fair and open internet ecosystem. Data science, on the other hand, is a strong driving force behind many emerging innovations within the sector.
The intersection of law and data science is crucial for effectively addressing pressing issues like privacy, cyber security and content regulation. All in all, I believe these disciplines are vitally linked when it comes to the internet, and bridging the two will be crucial to address the complex challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age.
Why is it important for young leaders to participate in internet governance processes?
Youth participation in internet governance processes ensure that our voices are heard, and our unique perspectives are considered. As digital natives, a majority of us are intimately familiar with digital technologies and online culture, which enables us to offer innovative insights and solutions to potential internet governance challenges.
Moreover, it’s inevitable that one day, the responsibility of maintaining and governing the internet will fall on our shoulders. To prepare for this, young leaders should be getting involved now to start gaining experience and expertise in this field. This readiness will be crucial for ensuring a smooth transition and the continued development of an open, secure, and equitable internet.
By actively participating, we empower ourselves to shape the digital landscape, advocating for a digital world that reflects our values and aspirations. Ultimately, our involvement ensures that the internet remains a dynamic and inclusive space for both our generation and those that follow.
What are your tips for young leaders looking to get involved in internet governance processes?
While my start to internet governance was through attending APIGA, a simple way to be involved straight away is to look at the many free resources available online. I would encourage future young leaders to subscribe to mailing lists of organisations they are interested in, which will be helpful in staying informed on current conversations in internet governance. I would also suggest reading online articles or listening to podcasts. For instance, one I have started listening to is Tech Mirror by the Tech Policy Design Centre, which has provided insightful discussions each month on developments in tech policy.
Being proactive in seeking out a mentor within the internet governance space could also be a good strategy. Attending conferences and events such as APIGA, Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) or global Internet Governance Forum (IGF) will also be helpful to participate in workshops and build connections. All in all, internet governance is a vast and rich landscape with many different layers and ways to get involved, and there are many avenues for young leaders to engage and voice our opinions.
If you’re interested to learn more about internet governance and auDA’s work in the space, visit the .au blog or become a .au member today to receive regular insights and updates.
The views expressed are the interviewee’s own.
