Core Policy Guidance for Digital Governance

Building the Foundations of a Trusted Digital Future

Policy is the cornerstone of a fair, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital world. The WDG Policy Framework offers guiding principles for nations, institutions, and coalitions seeking to govern digital systems responsibly — balancing innovation, protection, and sovereignty.

Vision: A Shared Policy Language

The policy framework was developed through global consultation, drawing from diverse legal, technical, and cultural perspectives. It serves as a baseline reference to help nations and stakeholders:

Human Rights Alignment

Align digital governance with human rights and economic opportunity

Transparency & Ethics

Promote transparency and ethical use of AI and data

Global Cooperation

Encourage cooperation across borders while maintaining national autonomy

Key Policy Areas

Artificial Intelligence

Guidelines for safe deployment and use

  • AI risk categorization and impact assessment frameworks
  • Human oversight requirements for automated decision-making
  • Algorithmic accountability and transparency standards
  • Ethical AI development and deployment guidelines

Data Governance

Data ownership and consent models

  • Comprehensive data ownership and consent frameworks
  • Cross-border data flows and localization requirements
  • Data security, retention, and classification standards
  • Privacy protection and individual rights enforcement

Digital Sovereignty

National cloud, ID, and digital infrastructure strategies

  • National digital infrastructure development strategies
  • Open-source incentives and technology dependency safeguards
  • Legal jurisdiction frameworks for digital platforms
  • Digital identity and authentication systems

Cyber & Trust Infrastructure

Encryption, resilience, and authentication standards

  • Cybersecurity standards and encryption requirements
  • System resilience and business continuity planning
  • Incident reporting and response coordination
  • Public-private partnership frameworks for security

Education & Inclusion

Digital literacy policy, workforce reskilling

  • Digital literacy curriculum and training programs
  • Workforce reskilling and adaptation initiatives
  • Equitable access to digital services and infrastructure
  • Anti-discrimination mandates for digital platforms

Structure for National Adaptation

This framework includes:

Core Principles

Global baselines that establish fundamental standards for digital governance

Modular Policy Components

Domain-specific policy modules that can be implemented independently

National Customization Templates

Adaptable templates that allow for local legal and cultural customization

Regional Examples Library

Growing collection of implementation examples and use cases from different regions

It is designed to be adapted, translated, and localized, while preserving alignment across borders.

Get Involved

Join the Policy Working Group

Form to participate in consultations, contribute edits, or lead national chapters