Introduction
2025 has been a key year for Internet governance in Colombia. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT Ministry) led a meeting of the Colombian Internet Governance Roundtable, a space where diverse actors from the technology sector, academia, civil society and government met to discuss the future of the Internet in the country. In this blog, we will explore the key points discussed at this meeting and their impact on Colombia's digital policy.
What is the Colombian Internet Governance Roundtable?
The Colombian Internet Governance Roundtable is a space for discussion and collaboration that brings together different actors of the digital ecosystem. Its purpose is to create an inclusive space to discuss public policies and regulations that affect the use of the Internet in Colombia. This roundtable is composed of representatives from government, technology companies, universities, non-governmental organizations and Internet users.
What does the Colombian Internet Governance Roundtable seek?
The main objective of this roundtable is to promote inclusive and responsible Internet governance, ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice in decision-making that affects connectivity, cybersecurity, privacy and other key aspects of the Internet.
The role of the ICT Ministry in Internet Governance
Colombia's ICT Ministry plays a key role in the regulation and development of public policies related to information and communications technologies in the country. Through initiatives such as the Colombian Internet Governance Roundtable, the Ministry seeks to establish a solid regulatory framework that allows Colombia to position itself as a key player in global digital governance.
At the recent meeting of the roundtable, the ICT Ministry led the discussions, facilitating dialogue between the different actors in the sector and promoting a cooperative agenda to address the challenges facing the Internet in Colombia. This includes everything from improving connectivity to strengthening cybersecurity, privacy and inclusive access policies.
Key issues discussed at the meeting
During the meeting, a number of key issues affecting Internet governance in Colombia were addressed. Among the highlights were:
- Cybersecurity: Strategies were discussed to improve digital security in Colombia, protecting both users and the country's critical infrastructure. This includes the implementation of best security practices and the creation of regulatory frameworks to ensure the protection of information.
- Internet access: Equitable access to the Internet remains a major challenge. During the meeting, initiatives were discussed to ensure that more Colombians, especially in rural areas, can access high-quality Internet. The need to strengthen technological infrastructure and improve connectivity throughout the country was highlighted.
- Digital rights: The roundtable also discussed the protection of the digital rights of Colombians, addressing issues such as online privacy and personal data protection. The policies that regulate the use of data by companies and governments were one of the most debated topics, with the aim of ensuring that the rights of users in the digital environment are respected.
- International collaboration: The ICT Ministry also stressed the importance of collaborating with other countries and international organizations in the development of global digital policies. Internet governance is a global issue, and international cooperation is key to addressing common challenges, such as the regulation of digital platforms and the management of global Internet resources.
Impact of the meeting on Colombia's digital policy
The meeting of the Colombian Internet Governance Roundtable marks an important milestone in the country's digital transformation process. The decisions taken in this space will contribute to strengthen Colombia's digital regulatory framework, ensuring a more secure, inclusive and accessible environment for all citizens.
Some of the possible repercussions of this meeting include:
- Improvements in Internet access policies: With the commitment to improve infrastructure and expand access in rural areas, it is expected that more Colombians will be able to benefit from technological advances.
- Strengthening cybersecurity: The cybersecurity policies discussed during the meeting will help reduce cyber threats and ensure a safer digital environment for both users and businesses.
- Promoting technological innovation: With the collaboration of different sectors, the country will be able to advance in the adoption of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and 5G, promoting a more competitive and dynamic environment.
Conclusion
The Colombian Internet Governance Roundtable led by the ICT Ministry is a crucial step towards building a safer, more accessible and fairer Internet for all Colombians. This meeting reaffirms the Colombian government's commitment to digital inclusion, the protection of digital rights and international cooperation. As we move towards a more connected digital era, it is essential that all actors in the ecosystem work together to create a digital environment that benefits everyone.
