The Prague Dialogue: Internet Governance & Disinformation Challenges

The year 2025 is full with challenges in the field of Internet Governance. How stable the current multistakeholder model is and is there a threat with respect to the current geopolitical developments? Come and discuss these topics with us.

Prior to the ICANN83 Policy Forum taking place in Prague in June this year, we are organising this expert exchange event to discuss some of the Internet governance topics relevant to the Czech Internet community.

Meet the representatives of ICANN, the ccTLD registries CZ.NIC and EURid, CEVRO University, IGF Czechia or Internet Society. We will also welcome Josef Šlerka, a recognized expert on the issues of disinformation and conspiracy theories, with his presentation.

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Draft programme:

• 15:00 – 15:15 Welcome coffee
• 15.15 – 15.20: Welcome note (intro by the university/ICANN/EURid)

Topic 1:

15.20 – 16:45 Internet Governance: All you need to know

• 15.20 – 15.35 An Introduction to Internet Governance and Multistakeholderism – Gabriella Schittek, ICANN
• 15.35 – 16.15 Panel Discussion: The Multistakeholder Model at the Crossroad

Panelists: 

• Natálie Terčová (IGF Czechia)
• Eva Dokoupilová (Digital Diplomacy Coordinator, Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Ondřej Filip (CZ.NIC)
• Callum Voge (ISOC)
• Gabriella Schittek (ICANN)

Moderator:

• Regina Filipová Fuchsová (EURid)

16.15 – 16.45 Securing the Critical Infrastructure in a Multistakeholder Fashion: An Internet Key Holder Explains – Ondrej Filip, CZ.NIC

16:45 - 17.00 - BREAK

Topic 2:

17:00 – 18:30 The Spread of Disinformation in Europe: Threats to Democratic Processes

• 17.00 – 17:45 Josef Šlerka, expert
• 17:45 – 18:05 Martina Heranová, CEVRO
• 18:05 - 18.30 Discussion, conclusion

Background

The ICANN83 Policy Forum will take place from 9–12 June 2025 at the Prague Congress Center, bringing together experts and stakeholders from around the world to discuss key issues in internet governance. ICANN Public Meetings are a key part of the multistakeholder model, bringing together community members from around the world to collaborate on policy development, exchange best practices, and engage in meaningful discussions. With over 100 sessions, this forum is a vital opportunity to connect with ICANN’s global community, Board, and organization. Participants may attend either in-person or remotely. Meetings are free to attend and open to everyone.

Topic 1: Internet Governance: All you need to know

During the first part of the event, we will hear an introduction to Internet Governance and Multistakeholderism by a representative from ICANN, who will highlight past, present, and future developments. Following this, experts from various institutions will share their perspectives on the impact of the current review process, as well as the geopolitical challenges affecting the future of the multistakeholder model.

This section will conclude with a presentation by one of the trusted community representatives, also known as an Internet key holder. The presentation will cover the security of the Internet root zone, the impact of key signing on the credibility of the process, and the management of critical Internet resources, including domain names and numbers.

Topic 2: The Spread of Disinformation in Europe: Threats to Democratic Processes
In this part of the event, we will examine Russian influence operations in the European cyberspace. The spread of disinformation across Europe is an escalating concern, with a clear and direct impact on democratic processes, particularly elections—as seen in Romania, Moldova, and, more recently, Germany. False narratives and misleading information are amplified through social media, foreign influence, and local actors, undermining public trust and manipulating voter behaviour.

We will also explore strategies for combating disinformation, the role of government regulation, and the importance of media literacy in safeguarding the integrity of European elections.

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