India’s nomination as Vice Chair of GAC raises concerns about balancing national interests with ICANN’s commitment to impartial and collaborative Internet governance.

India’s nomination for the Vice Chair position in the 2024 Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) election has prompted a global conversation about the implications of its potential ascent.

While the nomination represents an essential milestone for developing nations within the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), critics are raising alarms about what India’s leadership could mean for global Internet governance. The country’s record in cyber governance, disinformation campaigns, and international lobbying has led many to question whether its influence could skew the neutrality of ICANN’s decision-making processes.

Established in 1999, the GAC serves as ICANN’s bridge to national governments, ensuring their perspectives are included in managing Internet naming and addressing systems. With 183 member governments and 39 observer organizations, it plays a pivotal role in shaping policies with global repercussions.

The Vice-Chair position, in particular, wields significant influence, guiding discussions that impact national laws and international agreements. As India’s candidacy goes head-to-head with representatives from countries like Australia, Egypt, Colombia, and China, the stakes for global Internet policy could not be higher.

A Track Record of Cyber Controversies

India’s cyber governance practices have increasingly drawn international scrutiny. Canada’s designation of India as a cyber threat adds to concerns that, as GAC Vice Chair, India could embed policies ostensibly aimed at cybersecurity but subtly designed to advance its strategic interests. Such a scenario could undermine trust in ICANN’s neutrality, potentially tilting the global cybersecurity landscape to favor national agendas disguised as collaborative efforts.

The revelations of the “Indian Chronicles,” an exposé detailing India’s extensive use of disinformation campaigns, highlight another dimension of concern. Critics worry that India’s GAC influence could extend to policies that facilitate narrative manipulation on a global scale, eroding confidence in ICANN as an impartial Internet governance body. Similarly, India’s role in the dark web—with significant illicit activity linked to Indian entities—raises questions about its commitment to combating online criminal enterprises. Observers fear India could use its position to weaken international measures to dismantle such networks.

Financial Transparency and Policy Manipulation

India’s lackluster track record in financial transparency adds another layer of apprehension. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has repeatedly flagged the country’s low conviction rates for money laundering. Critics suggest that as a GAC Vice Chair, India might resist stringent international oversight of financial transactions, potentially enabling loopholes that benefit domestic actors while undermining global efforts to combat financial crime.

The entanglement of criminal networks with digital platforms further complicates the picture. Figures like Lawrence Bishnoi, whose syndicates exploit online systems, underscore the risks of policy manipulation. Skeptics caution that India might advocate for policies that create digital safe havens under the guise of protecting national sovereignty, thereby shielding illicit operations.

Disinformation and Surveillance Concerns

India’s history of leveraging social media to influence public opinion, particularly during election cycles, has amplified fears of its potential role in global Internet discourse. As GAC Vice Chair, India could push for reduced platform oversight, allowing greater latitude for weaponized disinformation campaigns. Deploying deepfake technologies in domestic politics further illustrates India’s capacity for sophisticated digital propaganda. Observers warn that within ICANN, India might hinder international efforts to counteract such threats, prioritizing national interests over global safeguards.

Allegations of cyber surveillance targeting dissidents abroad have also fueled concerns. As a GAC leader, India could advocate for surveillance-friendly policies under the guise of cybercrime prevention, eroding privacy rights worldwide. Such an approach risks normalizing intrusive practices and undermining ICANN’s credibility as a guardian of equitable Internet governance.

Lobbying and the Risk to Neutrality

India’s adeptness at lobbying, exemplified by the “Indian Chronicles” campaign, underscores its capacity to influence multilateral organizations. This raises fears that India’s GAC leadership might skew policies toward national interests, jeopardizing ICANN’s collaborative ethos. Critics argue that safeguarding the neutrality of ICANN’s processes is paramount to maintaining global trust in Internet governance.

The Global Stakes of India’s Nomination

India’s candidacy has reignited critical debates about balancing national representation with the impartiality essential to multilateral institutions. While supporters see this as an opportunity to diversify ICANN’s leadership, skeptics warn against the risks of politicizing its governance structures. This tension underscores the broader challenge of maintaining inclusivity without compromising neutrality.

The GAC Vice Chair election is not merely symbolic. It will set the tone for ICANN’s trajectory, influencing billions of Internet users. As the international community closely watches the outcome, ICANN must ensure its processes remain transparent and resilient against co-optation by any nation’s agenda.

Navigating the Crossroads of Governance and Influence

The controversies surrounding India’s nomination remind us of the complexities at the intersection of national interests and global responsibilities. ICANN’s ability to uphold its commitment to fair and impartial governance will shape the future of the Internet. As digital policies increasingly define global society, the need for collaborative and transparent governance has never been greater.