The ITU and global Internet governance
Under the larger issue of The global Internet governance architecture
Since late 2012, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has come to play an increasingly important role as a platform for and driver of global debates around appropriate models for Internet governance. While some argue the ITU’s growing role merely signals an attempt by certain governments, or by the UN, to take over the Internet, others argue that the institution has a legitimate role to play in Internet governance. The Internet Democracy Project follows and sheds light on the debate as it unfolds, from a developing country perspective.
Landmark events to look out for:
World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT), Dubai, 3 – 14 December 2012, where the International Telecommunications Regulations (ITRs) are being reviewed by the governments of the world
World Telecom Policy Forum (WTPF), Geneva, 14 – 16 May 2013, where a range of draft ‘opinions’ will be considered, including some that look to carry forward the debate on government intervention in Internet governance that was started at the WCIT and that, thus, can have potentially far-reaching consequences
The ITU Plenipotentiary, Busan, 20 October to 7 November 2014, where debates on governments’ role in Internet governance might further culminate, as the Plenipotentiary has the power to change the ITU’s Constitution and Convention to extend its grasp over Internet governance issues.
For more information on the structure, functioning and importance of the ITU, read the relevant sections of our FAQ on the WCIT and the ITRs.
Posts & Publications
ITU Secretary-General response to members of civil society
Civil society open letter to the ITU on transparency of the 2014 ITU Plenipotentiary in Busan
Pawns in a governments’ game? Civil society and evolving discussions on ‘multistakeholder’ Internet governance
Civil society proposal to open participation in the ITU’s Council Working Group on Internet-related Public Policy Issues
Closing statement from civil society to the WTPF
Open letter to Secretary General Touré on WTPF
The WCIT’s outcomes: an Indian civil society perspective
WCIT 2012: India sets an example
Open letter to the ITU: Remove barriers to civil society participation!
The WCIT and the ITRs: An FAQ
Concerns and suggestions for alternative language with regard to the Government of India’s draft proposal for the ITRs
Statement on the proposed ITRs by civil society members and groups participating in the ‘Best Bits’ pre-IGF meeting at Baku
“Dear ITU”: Indian civil society on the proposed ITRs and related processes
Saying no to ITU authority over the Internet