Insights from the Prague Dialogue Event

The Prague Dialogue: Multistakeholder voices continue to shape the digital future

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, one question demands our attention: what does it take to keep the Internet open, secure, and democratic? In Prague, the conclusion was clear – sustained and strengthened collaboration within the multistakeholder model is essential, even as challenges emerge. But let us rewind…

On 9 April 2025, The Prague Dialogue: Internet Governance & Disinformation Challenges event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders for an impactful discussion. Co-organised by EURid, ICANN, CZ.NIC, and CEVRO University, this expert exchange placed international issues in a regional context and served as a collaborative warm-up dialogue to the global policy discussions that will continue in Prague in June 2025 during ICANN83.

In her role as host and moderator, Regina Fuchsová of EURid captured the essence of the day’s discussions with a powerful reflection on the Internet’s impact on modern society. She concluded: “The Internet has transformed from a niche academic network into a global, interactive platform that influences nearly every aspect of life and brings forth challenges that impact democracy. As we continue to navigate these complexities, it is crucial to align online and offline safety standards while actively engaging in shaping the future of this unique network, where local communities, in Europe and beyond, play a vital role in strengthening democracy.”

This spirit of shared responsibility echoed throughout the event. As Natálie Terčová of IGF Czechia noted, “Effective Internet governance depends on multistakeholder cooperation. The NETMundial+10 guidelines adopted in São Paulo in 2024 offer a clear path to deepen collaboration among governments, academia, the technical community, civil society, and the private sector.” The dialogue explored the stability of the multistakeholder model, and the growing risks posed by disinformation and geopolitical shifts. Reflecting on the panel, Callum Voge of the Internet Society (ISOC) warned, “We cannot take the multistakeholder model for granted, as there are governments that actively promote an alternative, top-down, vision for the Internet which could negatively impact how we are able to use it. Our vision for WSIS+20 is clear: the multistakeholder model must be respected and the IGF should be given a permanent mandate.”

Beyond policy, the resilience of the technical infrastructure stood out as another focal point. “DNS, the domain name system, is a key protocol of the Internet,” affirmed Ondřej Filip of CZ.NIC. “The technical community within the multistakeholder governance model makes sure it stays transparent, resilient, robust and secure for all users. The Root Key Signing Ceremony involving Trusted Community Representatives is an important part of this mechanism.”

At the same time, the societal stakes at play were also emphasised. “Ensuring democracy and an independent foreign policy direction is a continuous endeavour for any country,” stated Martina Heranová from CEVRO University. “Every election becomes a test of our society's resilience against various interferences. All European citizens must always bear this in mind and not be influenced by hostile propaganda and disinformation.”

Gabriella Schittek of ICANN summed up the overarching message of the event with a thought-provoking reminder: “The loss of the multistakeholder model can ultimately lead to the fragmentation of the Internet. Everyone who can – get engaged and speak up on its behalf!”

As the Internet community now looks ahead to ICANN83 Policy Forum, The Prague Dialogue event brought forward a powerful message: the strength of the digital world lies in our shared and continuous commitment to an open, inclusive, and resilient Internet governance model.

By Plamena Argent for EURid