The Future of the Internet Depends on Meaningful Multistakeholder Participation: Charles Mok

Charles Mok is one of Asia's most respected voices on Internet governance, digital rights and technology policy. With more than 45 years of experience spanning software engineering, Internet entrepreneurship, public policymaking and global Internet governance, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape across the Asia-Pacific region.

Currently a Research Scholar at the Global Digital Policy Incubator of Stanford University's Cyber Policy Center and a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Internet Society (ISOC), Charles focuses on protecting individual rights in an era of rapidly evolving digital regulations and artificial intelligence. He previously served two terms as a member of Hong Kong's Legislative Council, where he championed privacy, freedom of expression, open data, cyber security and innovation.

A pioneer of Asia's Internet industry, Charles co-founded HKNet, one of the region's earliest Internet service providers and has held leadership roles in the Internet Society, ICANN and the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF). Throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for a free, open, secure and inclusive Internet while promoting digital innovation, multi-stakeholder governance and STEM education.

In this exclusive interview with Mohammad Kawsar Uddin, Charles Mok shares his insights on the future of the Internet, AI governance, digital rights, cybersecurity and the role of multistakeholder cooperation in shaping digital policies. He also discusses what countries like Bangladesh should do to build a resilient, inclusive and future-ready digital ecosystem.

Question: You have been involved with the Internet for more than 45 years. How do you assess the current state of the global Internet, particularly in terms of openness, trust and digital rights?

Answer: I have used the Internet since I was a freshman at university, almost 45 years ago. I am not sure if that counts as “being involved,” but as a user, I experienced the early, non-commercial, largely academic and research-based Internet. I began working for computer companies about 38 years ago, later started an Internet service provider in Hong Kong 32 years ago and co-founded Internet Society Hong Kong 21 years ago.

To be honest, the global Internet is facing its biggest challenges ever. In its early days, the Internet was seen as an equalizer of information, opportunity and power-helping small businesses, developing nations and journalists speak truth to power. Much of that promise remains, but we allowed too much market and platform power to become concentrated in the hands of “Big Tech”.

Despite years of discussion about trust and safety, we have not developed sufficiently effective, enforceable solutions. Frustrated users and governments have responded with regulations, often without fully understanding the technology, putting the free and open Internet at risk of control, monitoring and surveillance-even in democracies. Digital rights are increasingly taking a back seat to cybercrime concerns, further complicated by AI.

It is scary, but we cannot give up. We must ensure the Internet remains for everyone-free and open, safe and secure and an empowering force for all. The task is harder and more complex, but we cannot give up.

Question: Governments around the world are introducing new regulations on AI, data and online platforms. How can countries strike the right balance between innovation, cybersecurity and the protection of citizens' fundamental rights?

Answer: Yes, governments around the world are introducing regulations on AI, data and online platforms. But I believe the first question should be: What principles are these regulations based on?

As a former lawmaker, I would be concerned if regulations are simply designed to “solve a problem created by technology” or its platforms. History shows that laws inevitably lag behind technological development, especially in today’s globalized environment, where countries depend on digital networks for communication, information, trade and commerce.

Lawmakers must first understand the impact of technology and recognize the importance of free and open communication, education and information competency. Governments should develop comprehensive policies to strengthen digital skills, literacy and human capacity, rather than relying mainly on punitive measures.

They must also carefully assess the side effects and unintended consequences of regulations. Unfortunately, in many countries, across both the Global Majority and Global Minority, citizens’ digital rights are too often overlooked. The right balance is to protect citizens while preserving innovation, openness and the benefits of technology.

Question: As a former legislator and long-time advocate for digital rights, what lessons can policymakers in developing countries like Bangladesh learn when drafting digital policies and laws?

Answer: Every country is different, so I would be careful about giving specific recommendations. But generally, good digital policymaking, much like Internet governance should be multistakeholder, involving all sectors of society.

This may take time, and there may be a perception that policies and regulations are falling behind technology. But that is precisely why policymaking must be a continuous and sustained process. Ideally, countries could establish a permanent “digital governance forum” where all stakeholders participate, not merely as representatives to understand, discuss and debate problems and possible solutions. This is sometimes described as deliberative democracy.

Governments should develop policies and regulations only after genuinely listening to stakeholders and considering their views. They should also clearly explain the rationale, alternatives, implementation processes, trade-offs and compromises, as well as possible corrective measures if policies fail.

Ultimately, this is not unique to digital policy; it is what good policymaking should be. Unfortunately, politics and populism often override better judgment, even in many democracies.

Question: Bangladesh is rapidly expanding its digital economy and public digital services. What policy priorities would you recommend to ensure this growth is secure, inclusive and sustainable?

Answer: Bangladesh has demonstrated significant human resources and potential in recent years. In my view, however, it should not blindly follow other countries in the global AI race. Instead, it should first look inward and identify its strongest competitive advantages.

A key priority should be inclusive education, training, capacity building and upgrading talent, while ensuring that these capabilities align with global skills and economic requirements in the AI-driven world. Bangladesh should also explore strategic cooperation with countries that need technologically skilled talent and build alliances to jointly access global markets.

Smaller countries may not be able to compete independently with the world’s leading AI powers, or even some “middle powers.” But by strategically aligning with other middle powers, they can form meaningful alliances and strengthen their collective position in the global digital economy.

I also believe there is sometimes too much emphasis on “sovereignty.” Smaller and middle powers should make better use of strategic partnerships and alliances to enhance their collective competitiveness in AI and the digital economy over the long term.

Question: You have played key leadership roles in the Internet Society, ICANN and APrIGF. Why is the multi-stakeholder model essential for Internet governance and how can Bangladesh strengthening its participation in regional and global Internet policy discussions?

Answer: The Internet Society’s motto is “The Internet is for Everyone”. If the Internet is for everyone, its governance must also involve everyone. Over the past two or three decades, we have seen how top-down approaches can threaten the Internet’s freedom and openness. Attempts to control, censor, surveil or shut down the Internet can also undermine the security, reliability and resilience of infrastructure and communications, causing both social and economic harm.

That is why equitable and sustainable Internet governance must be based on multistakeholderism, ensuring that everyone has a meaningful voice and that smaller players are not dictated to by Big Tech or the world’s most powerful countries.

However, multistakeholderism is only a framework; its success depends on genuine participation. Across Asia, participation has often been uneven due to limited awareness, capacity building and resources. In some places, participation has also been difficult to sustain.

For Bangladesh and others, the challenge is therefore not only resources, but also developing the next generation of participants and leaders to sustain Internet governance engagement locally, regionally and globally.

Question: Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries and societies. What opportunities and challenges do you see for Bangladesh in adopting AI while protecting privacy, human rights and public trust?

Answer: I don’t think these digital regulatory issues should be framed only in terms of AI. The first question should be: What is the state of digital, data and privacy regulation in Bangladesh? Before addressing AI, there should be clear policies, laws and regulations protecting people’s digital rights.

AI presents new challenges, but fundamental principles for privacy, data sharing and transfer, and protection of people’s rights in the digital realm should already be established. More broadly, there must be overriding principles that protect the human rights of all citizens.

If these basic protections and laws are already in place, then the specific risks and challenges presented by AI can be addressed as additional building blocks on top of those foundations. In other words, AI regulation should strengthen, not replace, the fundamental framework for digital rights and human rights.

Question: Technology journalists are increasingly covering issues such as AI, cyber security and digital governance. What advice would you give to journalists to help the public better understand these complex and rapidly evolving topics?

Answer: Technology journalists have an increasingly important role in helping the public understand AI, cybersecurity, digital technologies and related policies. To do this effectively, they must understand not only the basic technology but, more importantly, its policy implications and impact on society.

It is not enough to simply report a local story based on information provided by authorities, without considering the perspectives of other stakeholders. Nor is it sufficient to translate an overseas article without placing it in the local context.

Journalists should therefore adopt a multistakeholder approach in their reporting—seeking and presenting diverse perspectives while remaining as neutral and independent as possible. They should explain not only what a technology or policy is, but also how it affects people and society, particularly in the local context.