Censorship vs freedom of expression, the negotiations on the future of Internet harden
On the occasion of the World Conference on International Telecommunications, International Telecommunication Union wants to renegotiate the settlement of international telecommunications. Governments, associations and companies announce their fears for the future of the web. The ITU is reassuring.
The World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT-12), which runs from December 3 to 14, 2012 in Dubai, will be the occasion for the International Telecommunication Union to put on the table the settlement of international telecommunications (RTI). Adopted by the World Administrative Telegraph and Telephone Melbourne in 1988, this text has not been revised since. But this proposed revision raises a real outcry in the economic and political world.
The United States is concerned that the proposals of some governments do not lead to an increase in regulatory constraints on Internet, what they clearly oppose. "We will not support a proposal to expand the scope of RTI to facilitate censorship of content or block the free flow of information and ideas," said Terry Kramer Ambassador, Head of Delegation of the United States WCIT-12. He added: "The United States also submits that the multiple institutional stakeholders, including industry and civil society, have so far worked effectively and continue to ensure the health and growth of the Internet and all its benefits. "
The World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT-12), which runs from December 3 to 14, 2012 in Dubai, will be the occasion for the International Telecommunication Union to put on the table the settlement of international telecommunications (RTI). Adopted by the World Administrative Telegraph and Telephone Melbourne in 1988, this text has not been revised since. But this proposed revision raises a real outcry in the economic and political world.
The United States is concerned that the proposals of some governments do not lead to an increase in regulatory constraints on Internet, what they clearly oppose. "We will not support a proposal to expand the scope of RTI to facilitate censorship of content or block the free flow of information and ideas," said Terry Kramer Ambassador, Head of Delegation of the United States WCIT-12. He added: "The United States also submits that the multiple institutional stakeholders, including industry and civil society, have so far worked effectively and continue to ensure the health and growth of the Internet and all its benefits. "
Europe and the United States on the same wavelength
The European Parliament will soon follow suit in the United States. It adopted a joint resolution on WCIT-12. After deploring the lack of transparency and openness that taints negotiations WCIT-12, including invites Member States to prevent any change in the RTI which would undermine the openness of the Internet and its neutrality. Mandated to coordinate the negotiations on behalf of the EU, the European Commission will ensure that the new text "to ensure and preserve the openness of the Internet, and to protect the rights and freedoms of Internet users in line. "The Parliament also recalled "the importance of maintaining reliable access to the Internet on the principle of optimal routing of data, encourage innovation and freedom of expression, to ensure competition and avoid a new digital divide. "
A few days ago, it was Google who entered to the debate. The search giant has indeed created an online initiative called Take Action. He explains that "some governments intend to seize the opportunity of a closed-door meeting in December to regulate the Internet and enable censorship." He also points out that 42 countries filter and censor Internet content in these last two years alone, 19 new laws threatening freedom of expression online have been adopted worldwide. According to the search engine, some proposals for the new RTI could allow governments to censor internet access and cut. YouTube, Facebook and Skype could also be imposed duties in order to reach users abroad: "This could limit access to information, particularly in emerging markets." Google invites users "to be heard" for the internet remains free and open. Anyone can publish his commentary on this new regulation.
Reassuring words but vigilance remains
The ITU's side promises to solve the problem of discrimination in access to the Internet, as explained by its Secretary General "Hamadoun Touré " said in a statement: "A few days before the World Conference on International Telecommunications, the adoption of this resolution underscores the commitment of the ITU for a society of free and open information. This should send a strong message to the international community on allegations that members of the ITU want to restrict freedom of expression. This is clearly the opposite is true. "
Censorship vs freedom of expression, the negotiations on the future of Internet harden
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