The Global Digital Compact of the United Nations: The Challenge of Harmonizing the Legal Framework within BRICS

Abstract

The paper analyzes the implications for BRICS countries following the adoption of the Global Digital Compact by the UN General Assembly in 2024. The authors emphasize that BRICS nations have real opportunities to establish a governance regime for the digital space based on respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, particularly concerning content regulation on the Internet. BRICS not only possesses significant potential for coordinating common principles and approaches to implementing digital sovereignty at the UN level but also has the capacity to extend norms and rules of digital sovereignty to a substantial part of the global community. Active participation in developing the concept and details of the «Global Digital Transformation Project» by BRICS countries, including the submission of alternatives and proposals on behalf of BRICS, SCO, EAEU, and other groups, is highly relevant. Furthermore, preparing a coordinated technological platform, programs, tools, and training initiatives with «friendly» countries can be viewed as a mechanism for the implementation of the UN project «Global Digital Compact» within the framework of BRICS.