International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan
I am Afrasiyab Khan, Judicial Law Clerk at the Islamabad High Court, Pakistan. My research interests lie at the intersection of artificial intelligence, law, and technology, with a particular focus on the internet and virtual reality. I have presented research publications at international conferences on topics including machine morality, intellectual property, and the impact of emerging technologies on fundamental rights. I have also engaged with stakeholders in the judicial system, legal profession, and academia to share insights on the implications of internet and AI technologies.
Fellow Report:
EuroSSIG was not just a summer school; it was an opportunity for experts and stakeholders from multiple sectors to come together to learn, share, and present their views on Internet governance. During the whole summer school, the days were divided into technology, policy and future days, where the internet governance was analyzed with the political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal perspective – not limited to national and regional level but also with the lens of global perspective.
Course: For me the division of the whole course was intriguing. EuroSSIG brought the multistakeholder to address pressing challenges in the rapidly involving internet landscape. The contribution focused on crucial topics related to the Internet Governance including “The history of Internet governance, the Internet governance eco system (IGF, WSIS+10, ISOC, ICANN), internet governance and cyber security and human rights, technical regulation and management, business and Internet governance, and future challenges and perspectives and diplomacy.”
Faculty: All the faculty members and instructors including Sandra Hoferichter (Medienstadt Leipzig e. V.), Wolfgang Kleinwächter (Medienstadt Leipzig e.V.), Tatiana Tropina (University of Leiden/Internet Society), Adam Peake (ICANN), Alena Muravska (RIPE NCC), Bertrand de la Chapelle (Internet & Jurisdiction Policy Network), Chris Disspain (Identity Digital), Dirk Krischenowski (dot.Berlin), Fiona Alexander (America University Washington), Hans Seeuws (EURid), Jorge Cancio (Swiss Federal Office of Communications), Keith Drazek (Verisign), Lea Kaspar (Global Partners Digital), Michael Hausding (SWITCH / FRIST), Peixi Xu (Communication University of China), Peter Koch (DENIC eG), were quite friendly, easily accessible and open to the discussion even outside of the meeting room. Interestingly, the coffee breaks and repasts were filled with intellectual discussions and exchanges of ideas. Most importantly, the diversity among the faculty members was not restricted to the European region only but also included experts from global superpowers. That shows the importance and level of intellectual depth and global engagement the program (EuroSSIG) offered.
Fellows: All the multistakeholder fellows, gathered under one roof, were focused on Internet Governance. After lengthy discussions with fellows from government, private institutions, academia, civil society, and the student community, I came to appreciate the importance of the multistakeholder approach to Internet governance and how we can work together to protect it. On the other hand, fellows from developing countries were also present at the meeting, which helped them to understand the challenges they are facing in promoting internet governance like digital divide, lack of resources, lack of multilingualism and many others. With having diverse background, the fellows put their views about the human rights-based approach and emphasized the urgent need to safeguard children online. After a long discussion with fellows on internet governance, I urged the importance of striking a balance between fostering innovation and implementing necessary regulations. During discussion the lack of accountability process and legal frameworks behind the technological development was identified as a significant challenge, posing risks to user rights, data privacy, and overall digital trust. Aside, we explored the beauty of Meissen together. For me, EuroSSIG was a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded people. I have learned about culture of the fellows and provided me with an opportunity to learn different languages as well.
Future Impact: Many EuroSSIG alumni are now serving in leading positions in Internet organizations, government, or the private sector. I am sure we will also contribute to the Mission, Vision and Objective of the organization. I am working to put representation before the competent authority in order to address the matter related to internet governance with respect to my country. As a lawyer, I will strive to spread awareness among the legal fraternity and help to take actions in the current Internet governance environment. I am excited to contribute to the judicial decisions on net neutrality, cross-border data regulation, cybercrime prosecution models in future, and will build stronger bridges between law and technology policy. With a strong passion, vision, and hope for promoting human rights, law, and technology, I will also contribute to empowering other participants to become active contributors to the future of the internet.