Information Polity

2007 Information Polity

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Kummer, Markus

2007 Information Polity

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This article attempts to trace the history of the debate on Internet governance and tries to identify the main dimensions and subtexts of this debate. It does so from an insider perspective as the author was associated in the first phase of the WSIS as a governmental representative, was subsequently involved in the WGIG process, an observer at the second phase of the WSIS, watching proceedings from the sidelines, and an organiser of the first Internet Governance Forum in Athens, Greece in November 2006. The paper identifies and traces the themes and issues that have occupied participants in the processes surrounding Internet governance during three years from 2005.

Collins, Richard

2007 Information Polity

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This discussion paper discusses the WSIS/WGIG processes and more specifically the outcomes of those processes. The two main outcomes of the WSIS/WGIG, the so-called 'Château de Bossey' document from the WGIG and the Tunis agenda for the information society, reflected the stalemate between proponents of the status quo and those who advocated bringing Internet governance (or at least control of the DNS) under the aegis of the ITU. The paper also discusses the 'trilateralism' of the WSIS/WGIG processes – the states, business and civil society. It was clear that the parties reflected differently on the outcomes of the WSIS/WGIG process.

Souter, David

2007 Information Polity

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This paper gives an insight to WSIS and discusses some reasons why in the WSIS process a very strong focus was given to Internet governance issues. It comments on the underlying paradigm gap between ICT/Internet and development professionals which the WSIS failed to resolve; it reports recent evidence on the relationship between Internet and other information and communication media in low-income communities; and it suggests some consequences for the future course of international discourse on the relationship between ICTs/Internet and development.

Zhao, Houlin

2007 Information Polity

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Internet governance is one of the hot issues that emerged during the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Tunis November 2005. The discussions did not start then but much earlier. This article gives an overview of the International Telecommunciation Union's contribution to the debate as well as author's personal views on possible paths for Internet governance development. In this author's view the debates in WSIS and IGF preparatory processes reflected the reality that Internet governance is not limited to technical, nor to policy issues only. It increasingly includes important social, economic, national security and, to some extent, sovereignty issues.

Satola, David

2007 Information Polity

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The Internet has moved on from its early almost lawless nature. There are now multiple organisations and legal aspects associated with Internet governance. Whether the issue on the Internet is network security, intellectual property rights (IPRs), e-commerce, cybercrime, freedom of expression, freedom of information, consumer rights or liberalisation of infrastructure – rules, laws and norms apply. These can be formal laws, treaties, industry standards or rules of procedure on both national and international level. On the legislative front there are too many national laws from too many countries that have effect on Internet governances beyond their borders, hence effective global cooperation on jurisdictional issues is necessary to ensure an enabling environment for the growth of the Internet and use of the Internet and ICTs for economic growth and development. A framework-approach to legal-reform issues of Internet governance could be the best way forward.

Dutton, William H. ; Peltu, Malcolm

2007 Information Polity

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The report highlights key Internet governance issues raised in relation to the authors' three-tier typology. The distinctive design and governance characteristics that underpin the global Internet phenomenon are then outlined, to indicate valuable governance lessons that can be built on. The crucial need for balance in inherently political multi-stakeholder processes is then addressed. This is assisted by an analytical framework for understanding the dynamics underlying such processes, which involve outcomes from decisions taken by many actors within overlapping and interacting policy arenas. The conclusion recommends an approach to improving international coordination of Internet governance activities.

Kenny, Charles

2007 Information Polity

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The submissions of ICANN and ISOC to the WSIS suggested Internet governance was purely about technical standardisation, addresses, domains and some service-related issues. Under this definition, there is little for poor people to worry about. At the same time, the term 'Internet governance' in an era of convergence is perhaps particularly unhelpful in the context of developing countries and especially poor people in those countries. It is in the nature of a global network such as information infrastructure that there are a number of global governance issues. These should receive due attention. But it is worth noting that, especially regarding the information needs of poor people worldwide, the most important governance issues remain at the national level, where there is a considerable reform agenda. Indeed, to some extent what is most urgently required is less governance and different governance.

2007 Information Polity

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