Navigating the Complexities of Internet Governance: My Journey and Reflections

Introduction

As I reflect on my journey within the dynamic field of Internet governance, I am struck by the evolution of my career and the breadth of experiences that have shaped my contributions. This article serves as a comprehensive reflection, remastering my recent IGF 2024 travel support application, and highlighting the milestones that have defined my path. It is my hope that this narrative will inspire others in the community to engage deeply in the crucial work of shaping the future of our global Internet.

Foundations at LACNIC and the Technical Pillars

My professional journey in Internet governance began in 2012 when I joined LACNIC , the Regional Internet Registry (RIR) responsible for managing IP address space and related resources in Latin America and the Caribbean. My role at LACNIC has been deeply embedded in the technical aspects of the Internet, focusing on critical infrastructure that ensures the stability and security of the global network. From implementing security measures in routing protocols to contributing to the development of resilient Internet architectures, my work has always centered on maintaining the foundational elements that make the Internet robust and reliable.

Involvement in Youth IGF and International Participation

My engagement with Internet governance expanded as I became involved in Youth IGF initiatives and participated in various IGF meetings at both national and international levels. In 2016, I co-founded Youth IGF Uruguay Community , creating a platform that enabled young voices in Uruguay to engage in global Internet governance discussions. Youth IGF Uruguay held annual meetings in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, each year growing in scope and impact. In 2020, we hosted the We The Internet event, which brought together even more members and participants, further solidifying our presence in the IGF local ecosystem.

Although Youth IGF Uruguay has not yet been formally recognized as a National and Regional Initiative (NRI), our contributions to the IGF ecosystem have been significant. We have actively engaged with regional initiatives such as LACIGF and Youth LACIGF , amplifying the voices of young participants across Latin America and the Caribbean. Over the years, I have had the privilege of organizing, moderating, and speaking at youth track workshops, including being a speaker at the Global Youth Summit in IGF 2023.

We engaged primarily with communities in communications, engineering, and social studies. This has allowed me to reach a broader audience and encourage more young people to get involved in Internet governance.

Leadership and Contributions to DC-IS3C

A pivotal moment in my career came in 2021 when I was appointed vice-chair of IoT WG1 within the Internet Standards, Security and Safety Coalition (IS3C) (DC-IS3C). This role allowed me to contribute to the development of best practices and standards aimed at securing the rapidly growing Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. In 2022, I was honored to take on the role of chair, where I continued to lead efforts to ensure the safety and security of IoT devices worldwide. My work in this coalition exemplifies the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach, bringing together diverse perspectives to address complex challenges in Internet governance.

Organizing IGF Uruguay: A Multi-Stakeholder Endeavor

My journey in Internet governance has also involved significant efforts in organizing IGF Uruguay, working alongside colleagues from various sectors—including the private sector, government (primarily Agesic ), Servicio Central de Informática | SeCIU (UDELAR), LACNIC , Youth IGF Uruguay Community , and Internet Society Uruguay (technical community)—we have created a platform that fosters inclusive and productive discussions on Internet governance in Uruguay. This organizational committee, composed of diverse stakeholders, reflects the multi-stakeholder model essential for addressing the varied challenges we face in the digital age.

Advocacy and Participation at NETMundial+10

In 2024, my participation in the NETmundial10 + initiative provided a unique opportunity to advocate for an updated IGF model, one better equipped to address the evolving challenges of Internet governance. Through research and active participation, I emphasized the importance of the IGF functioning as a multi-stakeholder model that informs multilateral decision-making processes. The dynamic nature of the Internet requires governance structures that are adaptable, inclusive, and capable of integrating the diverse voices of the global community.

Engagement in Key IGF Sessions and Contributions

Looking ahead to the Internet Governance Forum 2024, I am actively involved in several key IGF sessions, taking on roles such as session speaker, co-organizer, and on-site moderator. Notable sessions include:

1. WS #198 Advancing IoT Security, Quantum Encryption & RPKI - As a co-organizer and on-site moderator, I will play a key role in this youth-led session, which will focus on advancing security measures in IoT and exploring the implications of quantum encryption.
2. WS #162 Overregulation: Balance Policy and Innovation in Technology - This session will address the delicate balance between regulation and innovation in technology, and I will contribute as a co-organizer and on-site moderator for this important discussion.
3. Dynamic Coalition Joint-Session (DC-IOT & DC-IS3C) - I will participate as a speaker in this main joint session between the Dynamic Coalition on IoT (DC-IoT) and the Internet Standards, Security, and Safety Coalition (DC-IS3C), where we will discuss the intersection of IoT security and global Internet standards.
4. Networking Session #123 Bridging the Future: ISOC Youth and Alumni Networking - In my role as an on-site moderator, I will facilitate discussions aimed at strengthening the connections between ISOC Youth and Alumni, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Youth Engagement: A Personal Passion

Engaging and empowering young people in Internet governance has been a cause that I am deeply passionate about. My journey as a Youth Ambassador for ISOC in Berlin in 2019, where we held the Youth Summit with colleagues from the Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (German Youth IGF), marked the beginning of my active involvement in youth engagement. This continued in Katowice in 2021 with colleagues from Youth IGF Poland organizing the Youth Summit, fostering youth engagement as the IGF returned to a hybrid format.

In Ethiopia in 2022, I was part of the interplanetary networks youth-led session with Vint Cerf. This remarkable experience highlighted the potential of youth in shaping the future of Internet governance. More recently, in Kyoto IGF 2023, I contributed to youth-led sessions on quantum Internet and quantum-resistant algorithms, engaging in deep conversations with both youth and senior stakeholders. My participation at the Global Youth Summit in 2023 allowed me to touch on YouthLACIGF results on AI and other emerging technologies, further solidifying my commitment to integrating youth perspectives into broader governance discussions.

Focus on Key Internet Governance Issues

My work in Internet governance spans several key areas of interest:

• IoT Security and Quantum Encryption: As the chair of the working group on IoT Security within the Internet Standards, Security, and Safety Coalition (IS3C), I am deeply invested in ensuring the security of IoT devices. The advent of quantum computing presents new challenges, and I am particularly focused on how quantum encryption can be integrated into existing security frameworks to future-proof IoT systems.
• Artificial Intelligence and Ethical Governance: My involvement in Uruguay's National AI Strategy within the PNAI reflects my commitment to ethical AI governance. I am passionate about developing regulatory frameworks encompassing the Global South's needs and ensuring that AI technologies are deployed responsibly, with safeguards to protect human rights.
• Universal Access and Digital Inclusion: Achieving universal access to the Internet, particularly in underserved areas, is a priority for me. My role at ISOC Uruguay includes advocating for policies that promote digital inclusion, multilingualism, and the expansion of infrastructure to connect the unconnected.
• Cybersecurity and Resilience: The security and resilience of global Internet infrastructure are central to my work. I am actively involved in initiatives like the MANRS (Mutually Agreed Norms for Routing Security) initiative, where I contribute to strategies that protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
• Multistakeholder Governance and Digital Cooperation: I strongly advocate for the multistakeholder model of Internet governance, which brings together diverse voices from all sectors. My participation in initiatives like NetMundial+10 and the GDC processes underscores my commitment to fostering effective digital cooperation.
• Internet Fragmentation and Global Internet Architecture: I am particularly concerned with the potential for Internet fragmentation and the implications of regulatory and technical measures that could lead to a fragmented Internet. I advocate for maintaining a unified global Internet architecture that supports interoperability and the free flow of information.

Looking Ahead: The Impact of IGF 2024

My active onsite participation at IGF 2024 will greatly benefit my community by bringing back cutting-edge knowledge, trends, and best practices in Internet governance. Engaging directly with global experts will enable me to transform these insights into actionable strategies for local and regional initiatives, such as revitalizing National Youth IGFs across the LAC region. Moreover, building strong networks at the IGF will create new opportunities for collaboration, amplify our community’s voice in global discussions, and empower local youth to take a more active role in shaping Internet governance.

I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can motivate others to engage more deeply in this crucial field, contributing to the safer internet we want!