Politics · Singapore Bureau
Small nations must shape global tech governance framework, Singapore minister says
Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has called for smaller states to have a meaningful voice in developing international rules for technology companies. He urged governments, tech firms and the global community to establish shared standards that harness innovation while managing emerging risks.
LSN Singapore ·
Dr Balakrishnan emphasized that the international community needs to move beyond ad-hoc responses to technology challenges and instead establish a coordinated framework governing the tech sector's global operations.
Speaking on the matter, he outlined the need for a comprehensive compact between multiple stakeholders designed to "develop common norms and guardrails so that we can accelerate the pace of technology and reap its benefits, but also deal with the risks."
The Foreign Minister's remarks underscore concerns that smaller and developing nations risk being excluded from high-level discussions on technology regulation, despite facing significant impacts from digital innovation and its consequences. His intervention highlights Singapore's push for a more inclusive approach to global tech governance.
The call for shared standards reflects growing international debate over how to balance technological advancement with safeguards against potential harms, including data privacy concerns, artificial intelligence ethics, and digital security threats. Industry participation alongside government input is seen as essential to crafting practical, workable regulations.