Asia Pacific Digital Consumer Dialogue
On 9 June 2026, Lead - Research & Policy Engagement, Shobhit S., participated as a panelist in the Digital Rights Asia-Pacific Assembly (DRAPAC) 2026, speaking at the session "Digital Trade Agreements and the Need for Asia-Pacific Digital Consumers to Unite," held in Manila, Philippines, as part of the Asia Pacific Digital Consumer Dialogue, of which IT for Change is a member.
The regional conference brought together six panelists and more than thirty participants to examine how digital trade agreements are reshaping consumer rights and digital governance across the Asia-Pacific region, with particular attention to preserving regulatory autonomy. Moderated by KS Park (Open Net Korea), the panel also featured Debora Irene Christine (TIFA Foundation), Prapasiri "Nan" Suttisom (EngageMedia), Javier Ruiz Diaz (Amnesty UK), and Burcu Kilic. In his intervention, Shobhit highlighted India's evolving digital governance framework, the public interest safeguards at stake in ongoing digital trade negotiations, and key priorities for consumer rights advocates seeking to defend national policy space. He noted that the engagement strengthened advocacy for improved digital trade policy and consumer protection.