Centre for Internet & Society

Elonnai Hickok attended the meeting organized by Global Network Initiative on March 11, 2016 in Washington D.C.

The GNI welcomed its new observers from the Telecommunications Industry Dialogue by holding a learning session in conjunction with the GNI Board Meeting on March 10.  This learning session aimed to increase understanding between the GNI and the ID by examining some of the common challenges that face ICT companies in the area of human rights due diligence and highlighting good practices.  A second objective was to help the GNI develop a learning program and materials that will be useful for its members and draw on their expertise.  Finally, this learning session informed the review of the GNI Implementation Guidelines that will take place during 2016.

The session took place according to the Chatham House Rule.  Each short presentation was followed by a space for questions and answers.

  • Human Rights Impact Assessments in the ICT sector – Michael Samway
  • The Human Rights Due Diligence Process at Nokia – Laura Okkonen
  • Yahoo’s approach to Human Rights Impact Assessments– Nicole Karlebach and Katie Shay
  • Orange’s challenges and approach to doing business in Africa – Yves Nissim
  • Microsoft’s human rights impacts and the warrant case – Steve Crown and Bernard Shen
  • TeliaSonera’s approach to withdrawing from Eurasia – Patrik Hiselius
  • Considerations for company due diligence on the ground – Kathleen Reen and Babette Ngene, Internews

For discussion:

  • What are some of the common challenges facing current GNI member companies and ID member companies?
  • What do we consider to be good practices that are applicable to all?
  • What lessons can be applied to the review of the GNI Implementation Guidelines that will take place during 2016?