GNI Assessments: Protecting Privacy and Freedom of Expression in the Age of AI

In an increasingly connected world, companies in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector play a pivotal role in shaping the digital environment. With this power comes the responsibility to protect fundamental human rights, particularly freedom of expression and privacy. The Global Network Initiative (GNI) was established to help companies navigate these responsibilities, and the GNI Assessment is a key tool in ensuring that they do so effectively

For the past 16 years, GNI has made possible a unique and multistakeholder approach to transparency and accountability for technology companies. With the use and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) set to expand, GNI is evolving its mandatory, regular independent assessments to incorporate due diligence actions on the use of AI-enabled features and services, including generative AI.

What is the Global Network Initiative (GNI) Assessment?

The GNI  Assessment is a unique process designed to evaluate how well technology companies are implementing principles that protect freedom of expression and privacy. These assessments are independent and occur every two to three years for member companies. The main goal is to ensure that these companies are making genuine efforts to respect these principles, which are grounded in international human rights laws.

The GNI Principles provide a framework for responsible decision-making in situations where government actions or other external pressures may conflict with user rights. The assessment helps ensure that companies are not only committed to these principles but are also making tangible progress in implementing them across their operations.

The GNI Principles

The GNI Principles provide a framework for responsible decision-making and are fundamental to protecting human rights in the digital age. These principles guide companies in navigating challenges related to user rights, particularly freedom of expression and privacy. The key GNI Principles include:

1. Freedom of Expression
2. Privacy
3. Responsible Company Decision-Making
4. Multistakeholder Collaboration
5. Governance, Accountability, and Transparency

Why is the GNI Assessment Important?

The GNI Assessment is essential for technology companies to ensure alignment with global standards, protect human rights, and demonstrate transparency. It supports organizations in meeting regulatory obligations, safeguarding their reputation, and mitigating risks in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Streamlines Mandatory Due Diligence Obligations

Technology companies around the world are facing multiple regulatory fronts, from the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and EU AI Act to the UK’s Online Safety Act 2023. As a global standard, requirements under the GNI independent assessment can both be fulfilled through compliance with obligations from mandatory regulation as well as serving as a foundational step towards meeting risk assessment and due diligence audits required by mandatory regulation.

For example, the EU recently enacted the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) that notes companies can use multistakeholder initiatives to support implementation and fulfill certain requirements. Conversely, a company who is subject to the EU’s DSA Audit for Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) will be subject to certain obligations that, if fulfilled successfully, can smoothly be applied to the GNI independent assessment. Furthermore, GNI’s successful role as a facilitator between different regulatory regimes mean that the perspective of companies who are members of the multistakeholder forum are more likely to be regarded and considered in future regulatory considerations.

Protecting Human Rights

The GNI Assessment is vital because it ensures that companies in the ICT sector are actively working to protect user rights, particularly in environments where government regulations may threaten these rights. By adhering to the GNI Principles, companies help safeguard freedom of expression and privacy for their users worldwide.

Building Trust with Stakeholders

For companies, undergoing the GNI Assessment demonstrates a commitment to ethical practices and transparency. This commitment helps build trust with customers, investors, and the broader public, who are increasingly concerned about how their data and communications are handled.

Mitigating Risks

In today’s regulatory environment, failing to comply with international standards can lead to significant legal and financial risks. The GNI Assessment helps companies identify and address potential risks related to freedom of expression and privacy before they become major issues.

Enhancing Corporate Reputation

Companies that are proactive in their GNI compliance efforts often enjoy a stronger reputation in the marketplace. This enhanced reputation can lead to competitive advantages, such as increased customer loyalty and more favorable relations with regulators.

How Does the GNI Assessment Work?

The GNI Assessment process is comprehensive and involves several key steps:

• Policy Review: The assessment begins with a thorough review of a company’s internal policies and procedures. This step ensures that the company’s formal commitments align with the GNI Principles.
• Case Study Analysis: Companies must submit case studies illustrating how they have handled specific situations related to freedom of expression and privacy. These case studies are analyzed to assess the effectiveness of the company’s policies in real-world scenarios. For AI due diligence, GNI specifically evaluates a company’s AI tools and services through the Case Study section.
• Independent Review: The GNI Assessment includes an independent review conducted by accredited assessors, including Holistic AI. These experts evaluate the company’s practices and provide an impartial assessment of its compliance with the GNI Principles.
• Reporting and Feedback: Following the review, the assessors provide a detailed report outlining their findings. This report highlights areas where the company is performing well and identifies opportunities for improvement.
• GNI Board Review & Determination: The GNI Board reviews the assessment report and determines whether the company has made good-faith efforts to implement the GNI Principles.
• Public Reporting on Assessments: After the Board’s determination, GNI issues a public report on the independent assessments. The company may also issue its own public report, sharing the outcome and any actions taken.
• Continuous Improvement: The GNI Assessment is not a one-time process; companies are expected to complete independent assessments every 2-3 years. Companies are encouraged to use the insights from the assessment to continuously improve their practices, ensuring ongoing compliance with the GNI Principles.

How Can Organizations Approach the GNI Assessment?

Organizations should approach the GNI Assessment by being transparent, openly sharing their policies and challenges in implementing the GNI Principles. Engaging stakeholders, including civil society and industry peers, is key for gaining insights and reinforcing human rights commitments. Leveraging technology solutions from accredited assessors like Holistic AI can streamline the process, providing tools for policy development, risk management, and ongoing compliance.

• Commit to Transparency: Transparency is at the core of the GNI Principles. Organizations should be prepared to be open about their policies, processes, and challenges in implementing the principles.
• Engage with Stakeholders: Successful GNI assessments often involve collaboration with a range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations and industry peers. Engaging these groups can provide valuable insights and strengthen the company’s commitment to human rights.
• Leverage Technology Solutions: Companies can benefit from using accredited assessors with technical expertise, such as Holistic AI, to streamline the GNI assessment process. These platforms offer tools for policy development, risk management, and continuous monitoring, making it easier to maintain compliance over time.

GNI Independent Assessment with Holistic AI

Preparing for a GNI independent assessment requires thorough internal documentation and detailed case studies that demonstrate your commitment to the GNI Principles.

Holistic AI simplifies your GNI Assessment with AI-driven solutions that streamline policy development, risk management, and compliance monitoring. Partner with us to ensure your organization meets global standards while protecting user rights. Schedule a call with our expert team today to discuss how we can support your GNI compliance journey.

Conclusion

The GNI Assessment is an essential tool for ICT companies dedicated to upholding freedom of expression and privacy. By participating in this rigorous evaluation, companies can solidify their commitment to human rights, build trust with stakeholders, and proactively address potential risks. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, adhering to the GNI Principles through regular assessments is crucial for responsible corporate governance.

At Holistic AI, we are committed to supporting organizations in simplifying and enhancing their GNI Assessment process. With our AI-driven solutions, you can confidently navigate this complex landscape and ensure your company remains at the forefront of ethical and compliant practices.