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IGF 2025: the Future of Internet Governance

For the 20th time, people met to talk about how to make the internet fairer, safer, and better for everyone. They also looked back at how IGF has helped shape the internet over the years, and where it’s headed in the future.

The main theme this year was “Building Digital Governance Together.” The discussions were divided into four big topics: trust and security, responsible innovation, access and digital rights, and international cooperation. But the biggest focus was this: working together. And not just governments or big companies, but also young people, scientists, local communities, and everyday internet users.

Estonia was proudly represented at the event. Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, shared Estonia’s success story of building a digital nation. She spoke on two major panels: one about protecting undersea internet cables and another about human rights and digital safety in the age of big tech.

Now let’s dive into what was discussed at IGF 2025.

Safe and Trustworthy Internet

The internet is no longer just something we use now and then - it’s part of our daily lives. That’s why protecting it has become more important than ever. At IGF, participants talked about dangers like cyberattacks, fake news, and the growing power of AI, especially how it can be used to spread false information or even mess with elections.

One strong message came through: governments and tech companies must work together to keep the internet open and secure. But that’s not always easy. Sometimes, big companies break rules and just pay the fines instead of fixing problems. Others may support certain views over others. That’s why we can’t ignore the power these platforms have—because their actions affect people everywhere.

Responsible Development

For years, IGF has been a place to talk about the ethics of new tech. Everyone is talking about AI, but there are also other powerful tools, like blockchain, quantum tech, and virtual reality, that can help solve big problems like climate change or health issues.

But these tools also come with risks. And here’s the tricky part: we often don’t even know how powerful they’ll become. So, what should we do? Experts agreed that we need common principles and early collaboration. Regulators can’t always keep up with fast-moving tech, which means companies must take the lead in being responsible and inclusive.

Access and Digital Rights

One big challenge is that many people still don’t have proper internet access. Even if mobile coverage is available, it doesn’t mean people can afford it or know how to use it well.

IGF reminded the world that digital access is a human right. The internet opens the door to information, education, and services. It must be affordable, available in local languages, and support Indigenous languages too.

In many parts of the Global South, the main barriers are cost, lack of infrastructure, and digital skills. IGF also said that governments must take responsibility when they don’t protect their people from online spying or misinformation. Human rights matter, both online and offline.

The Power of Collaboration

The internet doesn’t follow country borders. That’s why the future of the web depends on international cooperation.

At IGF, many speakers warned that big tech companies are becoming too powerful. While they make things easier for users, they also collect a lot of data and set rules that can hurt user freedom.

Some people have talked about decentralized internet models, but we’re not quite there yet. In the meantime, IGF says we need open, inclusive, and transparent governance.

Agreements like the UN’s Global Digital Compact and WSIS are important tools. But they must do a better job including voices from developing countries and young people. In fact, the future of AI should also be built with these voices in mind. From training data in many languages to strong human rights protections, AI should serve the people, not just the powerful.

The overall message of IGF 2025 was clear and simple: the internet won’t get better on its own. We have to work together to make it better. From politicians to programmers to everyday users, we all have a role to play. IGF has become a powerful global platform, and now the hope is that it will continue its work with a longer-term mission: bringing the world together to build a fair, safe, and free digital future.