Ren speaks at 2025 China Internet Civilization Conference

Ren Xianliang, secretary-general of the World Internet Conference (WIC), attended the 2025 China Internet Civilization Conference in Hefei, Anhui Province. He delivered a keynote address at the sub-forum on "Corporate Social Responsibility of Internet Enterprises" on June 11.

Ren said that internet technologies, particularly those driven by artificial intelligence, are evolving rapidly and are becoming new platforms and drivers for fostering a civilized digital environment.

He noted that AI introduces new challenges related to data security, algorithmic bias, privacy protection, intellectual property rights, and misinformation. These issues pose complex questions for fostering positive online environment, building digital trust, and advancing internet-based public welfare initiatives.

Ren called on internet companies to adopt a people-centered approach at the core of their innovations and ensure that technology development aligns with ethical values. He stressed the importance of prioritizing ethics and balancing technological rationality with moral responsibility, particularly in addressing the regulatory conflicts, societal risks, and ethical challenges brought about by AI.

He further advocated for inclusive and equitable development that allows all individuals and communities to share in the benefits of progress. He encouraged the integration of AI technologies into content dissemination, trust-building, public welfare efforts, enabling the internet to play a vital role in improving livelihoods and alleviating poverty.

Lastly, Ren underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder governance in cyberspace. He called for embracing openness and inclusiveness, expanding international cooperation, and promoting cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations. By working together, stakeholders can build a more just, secure, and dynamic digital future that benefits people across countries and regions.

Ren introduced the WIC as an emerging international organization in the internet sector, which has always remained committed to the vision of "jointly building a community with a shared future in cyberspace." Since the first Wuzhen Summit in 2014, the WIC has continuously gathered and promoted global best practices where digital technologies help enterprises fulfill their social responsibilities. Notable examples include Alibaba's Digital Poverty Alleviation Project and Tencent's "Red Umbrella Program."

He noted that in November of last year, the WIC introduced the Distinguished Contribution Award with a dedicated category for corporate social responsibility, aiming to recognize enterprises making meaningful contributions to the global internet sector and to promote inclusive and sustainable internet development.

Ren concluded by reaffirming the WIC's commitment to serving as a platform for joint consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. Through expert bodies such as the WIC's Sepcialized Committee on Artificial Intelligence and the WIC Digital Academy, the organization will continue working with global partners to build a more just, inclusive, secure, stable, and vibrant cyberspace and to promote a healthy and uplifting digital civilization.