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 

Related Events