Internet Policy and Internet governance

IP is just one part of a complex series of changes that have occurred in the broadband/Internet network world, which have fundamentally altered the markets and technologies involved in the Internet’s operations. Taken together, these changes make a major difference regarding how we think about traditional regulation of broadband networks. 

The future of the Internet may lie in the past. And that's not a good thing.

The US calls loudly for ‘Internet freedom', but it is Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Apple and Amazon that have built up the dotcom services used by people all over the world. Is that now about to change?

With WICT-12 over, and now the preparation for the forthcoming WTPF underway, and of course also we have the WTDC and WTISD coming up, one could be excused for thinking that that world famous, but hopelessly unintelligible, cartoon character from...

More broadband rollout and better access to networks everywhere – that’s a position shared by participants at the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT), which started last week in Dubai.

Ultimately, one of the greatest benefits of the Internet is its potential to ensure that all citizens of the world have the same opportunities to participate in public life. As we celebrate Human Rights Day on December 10, let’s seize this moment to remember the opportunities and challenges raised by the Internet for the ability of all stakeholders to have their voices heard.

The threat of a “UN takeover” of the Internet through the WCIT is non-existent. Since the ITU’s secretary-general is insisting on consensus (as is tradition) rather than voting, the possibility of bad proposals (of which there are many) going through is slim. However, that doesn’t mean that activists have been crying themselves hoarse in vain. That people around the world are a bit more aware about the linkage between the technical features of the Internet and its potential as a vehicle for free speech, commerce and development, is worth having to hear some shriller voices out there.

Currently, numerous media reports suggest that attacks are being planned against the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) website to disrupt the WCIT proceedings in Dubai. Such actions would be wholly counterproductive, making it more difficult to have the kind of collaboration and thoughtful discussions that are needed at this critical point.

We urge everyone to take positive action to have their voices heard, not to restrict the very medium that amplifies that voice. Show your support, and help our collective cause by contributing constructively to a global conversation. Share this message across your social media channels, so that everyone's voice is heard: The Internet is open and should include #Everyone."

The big debate at WCIT right now is over a simple definition that could have massive implications: will the ITRs apply to "recognized operating agencies" or just "operating agencies." Seems simple, right? Not really.

"Filipinos basically face two choices over the future direction of the Internet. The first choice is a free and open Internet, one that should certainly guard against criminal activity such as fraud, while allowing local innovators and entrepreneurs to flourish. The second choice would be more restrictive - giving even good people less room for legitimate speech, allowing governments to monitor Internet traffic and block content, and hampering businesses, entrepreneurs, doctors, educators and many others who legitimately utilize and often depend on new technologies."

Since the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) discharged delegates from an atmosphere of restrained acidity last December, ITU habitués have wondered how that outcome will affect the rhythms of their regular work in...

"...noting that bracketed text remains unresolved, it is increasingly clear that the fundamental question facing delegates is whether the scope of the treaty applies to traditional telecommunications or whether it will be extended to include the Internet (explicitly or implicitly). "

A United States proposal to keep the Internet in the hands of the private sector is being resisted by some delegates, including those from Russia and some African and Middle Eastern nations.

Kramer worries that some countries are trying to co-opt the conference from advancing telecom issues to regulating Internet communications under that umbrella. If the organization's terminology is changed to allow governments the same designations as traditional telecom providers, many observers fear that could be the end of a free and open Internet.