Shall governments have access to encrypted messaging apps content?


RealTyme

Session 250

Thursday, 10 July 2025 in 2 days 16:00–16:45 (UTC+02:00) Physical (on-site) participation only WSIS+20 Open Space, Palexpo Interactive Session
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Physical (on-site) participation only


As governments balance national security imperatives with privacy obligations, the debate over access to encrypted messaging platforms intensifies—especially in an era of AI-driven threats and looming post-quantum risks. This session will explore the real-world implications of this debate, moving beyond the binary question of “yes” or “no” to focus on the future of trusted, sovereign, and resilient government communication systems.

Drawing on insights and feedback from the recent ITU Academy training on secure government communication, this discussion will highlight the evolving threat landscape, including the misuse of AI in communication platforms, the importance of data sovereignty, and the challenge of preparing for post-quantum encryption standards.

Participants will hear field reflections from government officials, learn about practical alternatives to direct content access (such as sovereign infrastructure and AI misuse detection), and engage in a forward-looking conversation on how states can govern communications without compromising trust, privacy, or sovereignty.

Panellists
Mr. Francois Rodriguez
Mr. Francois Rodriguez CCO Switzerland

François Rodriguez serves as chief commercial officer at RealTyme, where he is responsible for leading all aspects of sales and revenue generation, from distribution and strategic partnerships to brand strategy and customer success, ensuring that each function works in harmony to deliver impactful value and sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience driving transformative growth through digital innovation across global markets, he brings a strategic and forward-thinking approach to business development and leadership. His career reflects a track record of success across diverse industries, including building information modeling, mobile telecommunications, aeronautic connectivity, and digital collaboration. With a client-centric focus, he leverages expertise in marketing communications, customer relationship management, and business innovation to open new market opportunities and consistently exceed goals for clients, partners, and stakeholders. Beyond his role at RealTyme, François is dedicated to mentoring start-ups, sharing insights as a Forbes Councils member, and speaking on topics that drive the future of business innovation and technology.


Dr. Onur Özen
Dr. Onur Özen CEO RealTyme

Onur is a cryptologist with nearly 20 years of experience in cryptology and information security, spanning both academia and industry. He earned his PhD from EPFL’s Computer Science Faculty at the Laboratory for Cryptologic Algorithms (LACAL), under the supervision of Prof. Arjen Lenstra, following his master’s studies at METU in Turkey. His academic work includes several international publications and teaching experience in the field. Since 2020, he has been the CEO of RealTyme, a secure, sovereign, and sustainable communication platform designed for governments, defense, and enterprise clients. He is deeply committed to advancing privacy, digital well-being, sustainability, and humane technology.


Ms. Maryna Veuthey
Ms. Maryna Veuthey Product Marketing RealTyme

🌟 From Sales to Customer Success to Product Marketing, my career path has given me a 360° view of the tech industry and a toolkit packed with insights into what makes customers and products tick. With a Digital Marketing certification and hands-on experience in each of these roles, I bring a unique blend of customer understanding, strategy, and execution to product marketing.

Currently, as a Product Marketing at RealTyme, I collaborate closely with our sales, development, and product teams to ensure our solutions resonate with target customers and drive successful adoption. My role focuses on crafting product narratives, enabling our sales team, and executing go-to-market strategies that align with our customers’ needs and market trends.

In short, I’m here to bridge the gap between what customers want and what our product delivers. Let's connect if you're looking for a creative, strategic thinker in product marketing who knows how to bring teams and ideas together!


Topics
Cybersecurity
WSIS Action Lines
  • AL C1 logo C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
  • AL C2 logo C2. Information and communication infrastructure
  • AL C4 logo C4. Capacity building
  • AL C5 logo C5. Building confidence and security in use of ICTs
  • AL C7 E–GOV logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-government
  • AL C7 E–LEA logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-learning

ITU Acadmy Course Description
As governments increasingly rely on digital communication tools, emerging threats from AI-driven cyberattacks and post-quantum decryption risks pose significant challenges. This three-hour interactive training is designed for government officials, cybersecurity leaders, and policymakers seeking to enhance data sovereignty, compliance, and secure communication strategies in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. 
Participants will explore: 

The Legacy Challenge – How outdated GSM networks and consumer messaging apps create security vulnerabilities. 
The Data Ownership Challenge – The risks of AI-driven data processing, cloud jurisdiction issues, and compliance gaps. 
Future-Proofing Government Communication – Best practices for secure collaboration, AI-enabled threat mitigation, and preparing for post-quantum encryption. 
Through real-world case studies, hands-on exercises, and expert insights, attendees will develop practical strategies to protect their digital identities, sensitive government data, and critical communication infrastructure. 

https://academy.itu.int/training-courses/full-catalogue/secure-government-communications-ai-and-post-quantum-era

Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 9 logo Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
  • Goal 10 logo Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries

Does this course have any restrictions?
By nationality
Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea (Republic of), Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Belize, Cabo Verde, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Fiji, Jamaica, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Vanuatu