From lmcknigh at syr.edu Mon Mar 10 12:56:01 2014 From: lmcknigh at syr.edu (Lee W McKnight) Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 16:56:01 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: References: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net>, Message-ID: <4bef49dbc3aa4d1eb8bd93f8f4c453ab@EX13-MBX-07.ad.syr.edu> I agree with Adam and Carlos there is a confounding of the issue in terms of Guru asking for the proprietary algorithm to be public. Google tweaks that almost daily it is my understanding, so even if yesterday's agorithm was public, it wouldn't do much good - today. It would make it much harder for Google to do business, and would lead to the algorithm-gaming behavior of other firms that Adam predicts. On the other hand, regulatory review of possible bias/self-dealing in search results and their impact on competition in a market is fair game, even if the US FTC said 'play on' in its own review. In that sense, the India competition policy review of Google is a relatively routine analysis of a firm in dominant positions in multiple markets. For example, re the ongoing EU inquiries on Google's practices, and possible remedies, see: http://www.euractiv.com/innovation-enterprise/google-remains-eu-scrutiny-news-533755 Lee ________________________________________ From: bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net on behalf of Adam Peake Sent: Monday, March 10, 2014 11:49 AM To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; Guru गुरु Cc: Best Bits Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] need for regulation .... Hi Guru, On Mar 10, 2014, at 7:26 PM, Guru गुरु wrote: > Dear all, > > Not clear, how in Multistakeholderism, where the private sector has an equal footing in public policy making, we will get Google to agree that its search algorithm, as the key factor organising the worlds information/knowledge for all of us, needs to be public knowledge, not a commercial secret. Are you sure about this? If the algorithm's public then it will be gamed. Logical extension of this is searches will no return accurate results, no longer be trusted, and a very useful resource will be pretty much be made useless. Is this your intention? Best, Adam > The need for it to be public knowledge stems from privacy/surveillance concerns, because such fundamental knowledge ought to be available as 'cultural commons' that others can take/re-use/revise, fostering competition etc. > > regards, > Guru > > Google faces Rs 30,500-cr fine in India > New Delhi, PTI: March 9, 2014 > > Google can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion if it is found to have violated competition norms of the country. Google, which is facing anti-trust investigation in India by fair trade watchdog Competition Commission of India (CCI), can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion (Rs 30,500 crore) if it is found to have violated competition norms of the country. > > Google said it is “extending full cooperation” to the CCI in its investigation. The conclusion of a two-year review by the US antitrust watchdog has concluded that the company's services were good for competition, it added. The case has been before the CCI for over two years now, and it relates to allegations that Google is abusing its dominant position. Under competition regulations, an entity found violating the norms could be slapped with penalty of up to 10 per cent of its three-year annual average turnover. In the case of Google, its annual revenues in the last three years amounts to a staggering $49.3 billion (Rs 3.01 lakh crore), and the maximum penalty can be up to nearly $5 billion. > > When asked about the ongoing probe and the potential penalty, a Google spokesperson said: “We are extending full co-operation to the Competition Commission of India in their investigation.” The emailed statement added: “We're pleased that the conclusion of the Federal Trade Commission's two-year review was that Google's services are good for users and good for competition.” > > A complaint filed with the CCI cannot be withdrawn. The complaint against Google, also one of the world's most valued company, was first filed by advocacy group CUTS International way back in late 2011. Later. Matrimonial website matrimony.com Private Ltd also filed a complaint. Last year, CCI chairman Ashok Chawla had said the complaint was that the Google search engine favours platforms it wants to support. > > “That is, when you click on Google under a certain category, you will get the platforms where there is a tendency to put them in a certain order which may not be the fair and non-discriminatory. So, what is the software and what is the algorithmic search, (that is) what the investigation team is looking at,” Chawla had said. > > source - http://www.deccanherald.com/content/390977/google-faces-rs-30500-cr.html > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t From Guru at ITforChange.net Mon Mar 10 14:37:29 2014 From: Guru at ITforChange.net (=?UTF-8?B?R3VydSDgpJfgpYHgpLDgpYE=?=) Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 00:07:29 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <531E0241.7000302@ITforChange.net> References: <531E0241.7000302@ITforChange.net> Message-ID: <531E0669.1070401@ITforChange.net> Grande CA, With due respect, the argument that 'you need not use Google search' is quite impractical/rhetorical. Search is essential to meaning making and in today's digital society, let us not delude ourselves that we can do without Google search. Google search is a monopoly (conventional meaning - dominant market share) for very good reasons, of which its algorithms perceived superiority is an important one, but also its HUGE economic power invested in numerous data centres that help crawl/store and crunch the indexed information fast enough to make the engine formidable. You find my argument difficult to accept, because you have perhaps already imagined that the only way search can work is in its current form -where it is offered in a secretive manner by a for profit entity - where you_can_not_be_sure that the commercial interests of the search engine would affect your actual agency in searching. Sorry, did I said you cannot be sure, I should have said - YOU_CAN_BE_SURE that google's commercial interests would make it fiddle with the search algorithms in ways that would maximise its profit (Read Eli Pariser on how Google search engine is manipulating search for maximising its profits ...and in this process could be giving the world a global lobotomy, article attached! So whose to care? so long as we all click on the EULAs, all is well?) Whether these manipulations by Google, would be within current legal limits or could cross these limits is what for instance Indian CCI is investigating. We have NO_IDEA. _Another world is possible_ We could imagine search otherwise as well ... as a huge public digital library, where neither information nor its search need to be proprietary. In my view, I CANNOT see any other way to prevent manipulation of algorithms by the vendor for maximising their profits.Whether this manipulation is legal or not can only be detected by knowing the algorithm :-) , The "JustNetCoalition's" principles and roadmap can be something we can take forward for building a just and equitable net. See principle 8 of the JNC principles on this issue (also attached) and share your thoughts... warm regards, Guru On 03/10/2014 08:48 PM, Carlos A. Afonso wrote: > I think there is a basic misunderstanding related to the role of > private, free, non-mandatory services versus, for example, the required, > paid for, connectivity services we need to be on the Internet. > > Services such as Google, Facebook, Twitter etc, are opt-in, not required > for the user to be on the Internet. And they are free to use, regardless > of what they do or don't with your visit to them. You visit at your own > risk and will. > > Our broadband or mobile connection is paid, required if we wish to be on > the Internet, and subject to a provider-user contract regarding which we > can demand consumer and other rights. > > I do not see how we can just tell Google to do what Guru requests. One > can just *not* use Google and still be on the Internet. Or can use just > a few components with due care regarding personal privacy configurations > if one wishes. Same with any other non-mandatory, free, opt-in service. > > IMHO > > --c.a. > > On 03/10/2014 07:26 AM, Guru गुरु wrote: >> Dear all, >> >> Not clear, how in Multistakeholderism, where the private sector has an >> equal footing in public policy making, we will get Google to agree that >> its search algorithm, as the key factor organising the worlds >> information/knowledge for all of us, needs to be public knowledge, not a >> commercial secret. The need for it to be public knowledge stems from >> privacy/surveillance concerns, because such fundamental knowledge ought >> to be available as 'cultural commons' that others can >> take/re-use/revise, fostering competition etc. >> >> regards, >> Guru >> >> Google faces Rs 30,500-cr fine in India >> New Delhi, PTI: March 9, 2014 >> >> Google can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion if it is found to >> have violated competition norms of the country. Google, which is facing >> anti-trust investigation in India by fair trade watchdog Competition >> Commission of India (CCI), can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion >> (Rs 30,500 crore) if it is found to have violated competition norms of >> the country. >> >> Google said it is “extending full cooperation” to the CCI in its >> investigation. The conclusion of a two-year review by the US antitrust >> watchdog has concluded that the company's services were good for >> competition, it added. The case has been before the CCI for over two >> years now, and it relates to allegations that Google is abusing its >> dominant position. Under competition regulations, an entity found >> violating the norms could be slapped with penalty of up to 10 per cent >> of its three-year annual average turnover. In the case of Google, its >> annual revenues in the last three years amounts to a staggering $49.3 >> billion (Rs 3.01 lakh crore), and the maximum penalty can be up to >> nearly $5 billion. >> >> When asked about the ongoing probe and the potential penalty, a Google >> spokesperson said: “We are extending full co-operation to the >> Competition Commission of India in their investigation.” The emailed >> statement added: “We're pleased that the conclusion of the Federal Trade >> Commission's two-year review was that Google's services are good for >> users and good for competition.” >> >> A complaint filed with the CCI cannot be withdrawn. The complaint >> against Google, also one of the world's most valued company, was first >> filed by advocacy group CUTS International way back in late 2011. Later. >> Matrimonial website matrimony.com Private Ltd also filed a complaint. >> Last year, CCI chairman Ashok Chawla had said the complaint was that the >> Google search engine favours platforms it wants to support. >> >> “That is, when you click on Google under a certain category, you will >> get the platforms where there is a tendency to put them in a certain >> order which may not be the fair and non-discriminatory. So, *what is the >> software and what is the algorithmic search, (that is) what the >> investigation team is looking at,” *Chawla had said. >> >> source - >> http://www.deccanherald.com/content/390977/google-faces-rs-30500-cr.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 4. The Filter Bubble by Eli Pariser.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 227104 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Just_Net_Coalition_Principles_Brazil_sub.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 75403 bytes Desc: not available URL: From Guru at ITforChange.net Mon Mar 10 14:40:42 2014 From: Guru at ITforChange.net (=?UTF-8?B?R3VydSDgpJfgpYHgpLDgpYE=?=) Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 00:10:42 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <531E0254.7050100@ITforChange.net> References: <531E0254.7050100@ITforChange.net> Message-ID: <531E072A.40300@ITforChange.net> On 03/10/2014 09:19 PM, Adam Peake wrote: > Hi Guru, > > On Mar 10, 2014, at 7:26 PM, Guru गुरु wrote: >> Dear all, >> >> Not clear, how in Multistakeholderism, where the private sector has >> an equal footing in public policy making, we will get Google to >> agree that its search algorithm, as the key factor organising the >> worlds information/knowledge for all of us, needs to be public >> knowledge, not a commercial secret. > Are you sure about this? If the algorithm's public then it will be > gamed. Logical extension of this is searches will no return accurate > results, no longer be trusted, and a very useful resource will be > pretty much be made useless. Is this your intention? Good point, Adam. If the algorithm is public, then it has a high probability of being gamed. But is it not already the case that people/entities try to game the search, based on their rough understanding of how search is working? So I would argue that we would need to research ways by which gaming could be identified and that knowledge should also be available and used as a part of the search processes. I understand this is pretty much a cat and mouse game between attempts at gaming and attempt at unearthing gaming... but such games are already common in the development of virus and anti-virus algorithms/ spam and anti-spam algorithms .... So I would argue that more transparency, not less on both counts. Would you agree that google's search algorithm being proprietary, we have NO idea if google is using it to capture information every time we invoke it, and using it for its commercial (legal as well as illegal) purposes (and also for purposes beyond its immediate commercial goals, such as the political goals of the US Government, in whose jurisdiction, it falls, as Snowden revealed). While this possibility of manipulation is true for any proprietary software, the search algorithm is perhaps the worlds-most_popular_on-line_proprietary_algorithm which makes the danger of being manipulated for the political-economic gains of certain entities far far higher... something that should scare everyone else. Any advocates working on privacy / surveillance issues should strongly support my proposal to have Google make and keep its algorithms public. And of course so should anyone working towards open ICTD (open source, open resources) paradigms.... And of course anyone who believes in the WSIS 2003 Declaration of Principles, of .. "... our common desire and commitment to build a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society, where everyone can create, access, utilize and share information and knowledge, enabling individuals, communities and peoples to achieve their full potential in promoting their sustainable development and improving their quality of life..." this is not possible if we are suffering from global lobotomy (see Eli Pariser article in the response to CA). regards, Guru > Best, > > Adam -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Guru at ITforChange.net Mon Mar 10 14:42:52 2014 From: Guru at ITforChange.net (=?UTF-8?B?R3VydSDgpJfgpYHgpLDgpYE=?=) Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 00:12:52 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <531E0613.9040506@ITforChange.net> References: <531E0613.9040506@ITforChange.net> Message-ID: <531E07AC.90808@ITforChange.net> On 03/10/2014 10:26 PM, Lee W McKnight wrote: > I agree with Adam and Carlos there is a confounding of the issue in terms of Guru asking for the proprietary algorithm to be public. Google tweaks that almost daily it is my understanding, so even if yesterday's agorithm was public, it wouldn't do much good - today. Lee So is there any technological impossibility in sharing this daily/ as and when a change is done? Don't see a point here. > It would make it much harder for Google to do business, I know, Google is finding it so hard to do business today, we don't want to make it any harder, do we ;-) .... certainly not with any regulation that would address critical issues I mentioned in my initial mail on this thread! > and would lead to the algorithm-gaming behavior of other firms that Adam predicts. > > On the other hand, regulatory review of possible bias/self-dealing in search results and their impact on competition in a market is fair game, even if the US FTC said 'play on' in its own review. > > In that sense, the India competition policy review of Google is a relatively routine analysis of a firm in dominant positions in multiple markets. not really Lee .... *This can be tectonic .*... The policy review should need the regulator to review the search algorithm, whose secret nature is a big part of Google's power. See, this investigation is not about some simple manipulation of markets by some explicit/physical methods as may usually be the case. We are discussing the search algorithm which is ordering the world's knowledge / information for each of us. "Code is law", Lessig said; this review process by CCI logically should wrench the control of the search algorithm from a private entity enforcing 'law' for its own profit maximisation (and God/Snowden know for what else), to a public good process/approach. Technically, CCI should require Google to share its algorithm with it or a relevant/competent authority that can assure us that Google is not illegally manipulating the page views ...*and also require Google to prior clear any change in algorithm with such an authority* ... while I admit that this is unlikely to happen, however I see my position as logical... Guru > For example, re the ongoing EU inquiries on Google's practices, and possible remedies, see: > http://www.euractiv.com/innovation-enterprise/google-remains-eu-scrutiny-news-533755 > > Lee > ________________________________________ > From:bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net on behalf of Adam Peake > Sent: Monday, March 10, 2014 11:49 AM > To:governance at lists.igcaucus.org; Guru गुरु > Cc: Best Bits > Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] need for regulation .... > > Hi Guru, > > On Mar 10, 2014, at 7:26 PM, Guru गुरु wrote: > >> Dear all, >> >> Not clear, how in Multistakeholderism, where the private sector has an equal footing in public policy making, we will get Google to agree that its search algorithm, as the key factor organising the worlds information/knowledge for all of us, needs to be public knowledge, not a commercial secret. > Are you sure about this? If the algorithm's public then it will be gamed. Logical extension of this is searches will no return accurate results, no longer be trusted, and a very useful resource will be pretty much be made useless. Is this your intention? > > Best, > > Adam > > >> The need for it to be public knowledge stems from privacy/surveillance concerns, because such fundamental knowledge ought to be available as 'cultural commons' that others can take/re-use/revise, fostering competition etc. >> >> regards, >> Guru >> >> Google faces Rs 30,500-cr fine in India >> New Delhi, PTI: March 9, 2014 >> >> Google can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion if it is found to have violated competition norms of the country. Google, which is facing anti-trust investigation in India by fair trade watchdog Competition Commission of India (CCI), can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion (Rs 30,500 crore) if it is found to have violated competition norms of the country. >> >> Google said it is “extending full cooperation” to the CCI in its investigation. The conclusion of a two-year review by the US antitrust watchdog has concluded that the company's services were good for competition, it added. The case has been before the CCI for over two years now, and it relates to allegations that Google is abusing its dominant position. Under competition regulations, an entity found violating the norms could be slapped with penalty of up to 10 per cent of its three-year annual average turnover. In the case of Google, its annual revenues in the last three years amounts to a staggering $49.3 billion (Rs 3.01 lakh crore), and the maximum penalty can be up to nearly $5 billion. >> >> When asked about the ongoing probe and the potential penalty, a Google spokesperson said: “We are extending full co-operation to the Competition Commission of India in their investigation.” The emailed statement added: “We're pleased that the conclusion of the Federal Trade Commission's two-year review was that Google's services are good for users and good for competition.” >> >> A complaint filed with the CCI cannot be withdrawn. The complaint against Google, also one of the world's most valued company, was first filed by advocacy group CUTS International way back in late 2011. Later. Matrimonial website matrimony.com Private Ltd also filed a complaint. Last year, CCI chairman Ashok Chawla had said the complaint was that the Google search engine favours platforms it wants to support. >> >> “That is, when you click on Google under a certain category, you will get the platforms where there is a tendency to put them in a certain order which may not be the fair and non-discriminatory. So, what is the software and what is the algorithmic search, (that is) what the investigation team is looking at,” Chawla had said. >> >> source -http://www.deccanherald.com/content/390977/google-faces-rs-30500-cr.html >> -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: governance at lists.igcaucus.org To be removed from the list, visit: http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing For all other list information and functions, see: http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: http://www.igcaucus.org/ Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t From Guru at ITforChange.net Mon Mar 10 15:03:04 2014 From: Guru at ITforChange.net (=?UTF-8?B?R3VydSDgpJfgpYHgpLDgpYE=?=) Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 00:33:04 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <531E0254.7050100@ITforChange.net> References: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net> <531E0254.7050100@ITforChange.net> Message-ID: <531E0C68.6080102@ITforChange.net> On 03/10/2014 11:50 PM, Guru गुरु wrote: > On 03/10/2014 09:19 PM, Adam Peake wrote: >> On Mar 10, 2014, at 7:26 PM, Guru गुरु wrote: > Would you agree that google's search algorithm being proprietary, we > have NO idea if google is using it to capture information every time > we invoke it, and using it for its commercial (legal as well as > illegal) purposes (and also for purposes beyond its immediate > commercial goals, such as the political goals of the US Government, in > whose jurisdiction, it falls, as Snowden revealed). While this > possibility of manipulation is true for any proprietary software, the > search algorithm is perhaps the > worlds-most_popular_on-line_proprietary_algorithm which makes the > danger of being manipulated for the political-economic gains of > certain entities far far higher... something that should scare > everyone else. > the fear is not just a theoretical one..... see http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/nov/19/google-pay-17-million-apple-tracking where Google was found guilty of using its search for illegal activities, The article says that the "huge fine of $17m " would take Google slightly more than three hours to generate in revenue on an average day..... (Lee, we are very tough on Google aren't we :-) ) Guru -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From avri at acm.org Mon Mar 10 15:08:15 2014 From: avri at acm.org (Avri Doria) Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 15:08:15 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <531E0669.1070401@ITforChange.net> References: <531E0241.7000302@ITforChange.net> <531E0669.1070401@ITforChange.net> Message-ID: <531E0D9F.6090405@acm.org> On 10-Mar-14 14:37, Guru गुरु wrote: > 'you need not use Google search' is quite impractical/rhetorical I use mostly duckduckgoo, sometimes bing. and sometimes google to. i have set my browsers, and i use various as can anyone, to choose duckduckgo as my primary search. doesn't seem rhetorical, it is easily done. also seems practical to me. and i don't think there is anything privileged or especially knowledgeable/geeky about doing what i do. i learned about duckduckgo orginally from a non geek when i was bemoaning the loss of scroogle - but they did piggyback on google. avri From Guru at ITforChange.net Mon Mar 10 15:13:01 2014 From: Guru at ITforChange.net (=?UTF-8?B?R3VydSDgpJfgpYHgpLDgpYE=?=) Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 00:43:01 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <531E0D9F.6090405@acm.org> References: <531E0241.7000302@ITforChange.net> <531E0669.1070401@ITforChange.net> <531E0D9F.6090405@acm.org> Message-ID: <531E0EBD.5010005@ITforChange.net> On 03/11/2014 12:38 AM, Avri Doria wrote: > > > On 10-Mar-14 14:37, Guru गुरु wrote: >> 'you need not use Google search' is quite impractical/rhetorical > > > I use mostly duckduckgoo, Avri I am eager to know why do you mostly use duckduckgoo Guru > sometimes bing. and sometimes google to. i have set my browsers, and > i use various as can anyone, to choose duckduckgo as my primary search. > > doesn't seem rhetorical, it is easily done. > > also seems practical to me. and i don't think there is anything > privileged or especially knowledgeable/geeky about doing what i do. i > learned about duckduckgo orginally from a non geek when i was > bemoaning the loss of scroogle - but they did piggyback on google. > > avri From pranesh at cis-india.org Mon Mar 10 15:16:39 2014 From: pranesh at cis-india.org (Pranesh Prakash) Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 15:16:39 -0400 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <531AC0CA.3010001@itforchange.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> <531AC0CA.3010001@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <531E0F97.4000804@cis-india.org> parminder [2014-03-08 2:03:38]: > Conversely, since there is considerable interest here in > multistakeholder policy making, even at national levels, would you > support pharma companies, for instance, sitting in bodies making - > actually making - health and drug policies, and big publishers in > education policy making, and so on... Yes, I would support pharmaceutical companies actually being part of the health policy drafting process, just as I support publishers — the very publishers I've been fighting against in the parallel importation battle going on in India right now — having a role in policymaking around copyright. It would be undemocratic, to say the least, to not have them at the table. (That is not to say that I believe Wolfgang is right in the problem-solving abilities of multi-stakeholder decision-making processes by relying on IETF as the example.) -- Pranesh Prakash Policy Director, Centre for Internet and Society T: +91 80 40926283 | W: http://cis-india.org ------------------- Access to Knowledge Fellow, Information Society Project, Yale Law School M: +1 520 314 7147 | W: http://yaleisp.org PGP ID: 0x1D5C5F07 | Twitter: https://twitter.com/pranesh_prakash -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 884 bytes Desc: OpenPGP digital signature URL: From pranesh at cis-india.org Mon Mar 10 15:21:41 2014 From: pranesh at cis-india.org (Pranesh Prakash) Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 15:21:41 -0400 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <173001cf3ae5$cb6724d0$62356e70$@gmail.com> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> <531AC0CA.3010001@itforchange.net> <531B0283.60303@wzb.eu> <16fc01cf3ad8$f26a3f70$d73ebe50$@gmail.com> <144a22ab600.27e9.4f968dcf8ecd56c9cb8acab6370fcfe0@hserus.net> <173001cf3ae5$cb6724d0$62356e70$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <531E10C5.6040207@cis-india.org> Dear Michael, I would equally like a clear statement from you as to how transnational "democracy" should work for Internet-related policy making. How would these "democratic" decisions be enforced? And, if Amazon is to pay taxes, they should not get a voice in the tax debate? Should only those who do not pay taxes have a voice in the tax debate? How is that democratic? Regards, Pranesh michael gurstein [2014-03-08 10:48:03]: > Maybe I'm wrong and I would be delighted to see one of the MSists actually > come out with a clear articulation of what they mean by MSism or a MS > process but my understanding is that MSism is where the various > "stakeholders" i.e. the private sector among others have a direct role in > deciding (i.e. have direct inputs into consensus outputs) concerning issues > of public policy significance arising out of Internet developments. > > What that means to me is that for example, Amazon gets to have a direct > input into establishing global taxation policy related to the Internet, > Google as a "stakeholder" is directly involved in establishing global policy > concerning Intellectual Property Rights, Facebook as a matter of stakeholder > "rights" helps determine global standards and regulation concerning privacy > and so on and so on. Perhaps one of the guru's of MSism--Wolfgang, Bertrand, > Jeanette--might explain exactly where I've misunderstood. > > M > > -----Original Message----- > From: Suresh Ramasubramanian [mailto:suresh at hserus.net] > Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2014 6:49 AM > To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeanette Hofmann'; bestbits; michael > gurstein > Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions > launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > > I thought she just got saying that industry has a stake and should have an > opportunity to comment on legislation or regulations that are targeted at > it. > > I am not sure how you drew that extra meaning from her words. > > > > On 8 March 2014 7:46:55 PM "michael gurstein" wrote: > >> So it is your position that what up to this point has been ethically >> dubious and in some cases downright illegal i.e. the subverting (errr.. >> "shaping") of public policy processes to support private interests, >> not only legal but compulsory? >> >> M >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net >> [mailto:bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net] On Behalf Of Jeanette >> Hofmann >> Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2014 3:44 AM >> To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; bestbits at lists.bestbits.net >> Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions >> launched for endorsement at bestbits.net >> >> >> >> >>> Conversely, since there is considerable interest here in >>> multistakeholder >> policy making, even at national levels, would you support pharma >> companies, for instance, sitting in bodies making - actually making - >> health and drug policies, and big publishers in education policy making, > and so on... >> >> >> The problem is that the pharmaceutical companies have been doing this >> for decades - but behind closed doors. National legislation is not >> done without consulting with industries affected. Sometimes, >> particularly on the EU level, they even write the draft legislation. >> Multistakeholder offers the chance to broaden the consulation process >> and bring this process in the open daylight so that everybody can see what > has been going on in secret. >> >> jeanette >> >> >>> If not, what is the essential difference, and who decides the > 'difference'? >>> >>> Of course state's extra-ordinary interest to control the Internet >>> may be >> discussed here, but the state has the same kind of desire to control, >> for instance, the education system. Does it give enough basis for >> multistakeholder policy making in the education at the national level? >>> Be fore-warned, that is the model of policy making that we are >>> embracing >> here. >>> >>> parminder >>> >>>> >>>> Apart from the difference between public policies and technical >> decisions, is also the difference between original public policy >> authority and delegated authority. These are concepts and ideas that >> are rather well worked out in the texts of political science and public > administration. >>>> >>>> A public policy function is sovereign in the sense of not being >>>> subject >> to a higher authority (judicial review being a different >>>> matter) and is accompanied with legitimate coercive power for >> enforcement. Such power only lies with elected representatives in >> democracies. It cannot, for instance, be exercised by business >> representatives . >>>> >>>> (At the global level, such sovereignty is exercised in a complex >>>> manner >> whereby national legislatures often need to ratify international >> treaties, and while many of such treaties carry enforcement elements, >> the manner of their national application remain in a somewhat complex >> interplay with national political systems. But this system of global >> public policies still >> works.) >>>> >>>> As such CGI.Br does not and cannot consitutionally undertake public >> policy function. Happy to hear counter-arguments. >>>> >>>> There is a huge problem with deforming the clear political >>>> definitions >> regarding public policy etc and then find entry points for big >> business to exercise formal political power..... Once such a role is >> established on some areas, then this power migrates upwards to cover >> all areas of our social and political existence. This is what is happening > now. >>>> >>>> Do note that the currently fashionable meme of 'equal footing' in >> public policy functions does not ever circumscribe the areas where big >> business can thus exercise formal political power, and where it >> cannot. The multistakeholder policy making models, for instance the >> one offered by Jeremy, applies to all areas of Internet policies at the > global level. >> Soon, it will be areas of policy in any sector at the global level. >> Such efforts are of course already afoot. And then gradually this >> models is brought to the national levels. >>>> >>>> I remain worried how few here see and fear the headlong plunge into >>>> a >> neoliberal post-democratic system that we may be taking, and in fact >> contributing so strongly to... >>>> >>>> parminder >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>> >>>>> Membership of CGI.br is of course not informal - it is quite >>>>> formal, >> but it is multi-stakeholder. >>>>> >>>>> Government has more positions which is something I have heard some >> Brazilian civil society express concern about. But it does mean that >> different parts of government is represented which his important. >>>>> Business is represented through industry bodies, and so on. >>>>> >>>>> It is an example of how governance processes can change, and how >>>>> public >> policy making can be more inclusive and multi-stakeholder and go >> beyond the traditional 'government proposes policy - with or without >> public consulation, follwed by legislature reviewing and > approving/rejecting'. >>>>> >>>>> From a CS perspective I think we need to lobby for traditional >>>>> models >> to be more inclusive, for public consultation to be introduced where >> it does not exist, and to be improved where it does. But we should >> also propose and promote new models where policy-making is actually >> done in an inclusive MS space. >>>>> >>>>> Anriette >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 06/03/2014 14:02, parminder wrote: >>>>>> Joy >>>>>> >>>>>> You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. >>>>>> >>>>>> So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil >>>>>> society >> statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold that non-gov >> participants(which includes business)should be on the same footing as >> gov participants in terms of actually /*making public *//*policies*//*. >>>>>> >>>>>> */Fine. There is no room for confusion now. >>>>>> >>>>>> I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. >>>>>> >>>>>> Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy >>>>>> making, >> which arent there in the mentioned statement, or its accompanying > statements. >>>>>> >>>>>> parminder >>>>>> >>>>>> PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. And >>>>>> Joy >> - or is it someone else from APC - is on the steering committee on >> BB... I hope such mis-statements are avoided, and when pointed out > withdrawn. Thanks. >>>>>> >>>>>> /* >>>>>> */ >>>>>> On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: >>>>>>> As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter >>>>>>> the >> full quote in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>>> internet governance. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder >>>>>>> processes >> are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and APC has been >> on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder >>>>>>> processes: these are simply one form of democratic participation. >>>>>>> To be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other >>>>>>> documents >> and says, taken together, certain principles relevant to internet >> governance can be deduced and should be taken forward into NetMundial, >> including human rights. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 >> recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing >>>>>>> the >> Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: >>>>>>> a) governments alone make public policy including some which is >> relevant to internet governance >>>>>>> b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other >>>>>>> when >> doing so; and >>>>>>> c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and >>>>>>> therefore >> should not be on an equal footing with governments this role (though >> they can of course be involved/consulted) . >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines >>>>>>> that >>>>>>> a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public >>>>>>> policy >> which is relevant to internet governance >>>>>>> b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing >>>>>>> or >> parity with each other when doing so; >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission >>>>>>> which >> simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles >> NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder participation >> and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>> On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: >>>>>>>> Dear all >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter >>>>>>>> and the >> use of 'multilateral'. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> The full text in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, >>>>>>>> with the >> full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and >> international organisations. No single government should have a >> pre-eminent role in relation to international internet governance." >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its >>>>>>>> dictionary >> sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties and multiple >> countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic >>>>>>>> defines >> how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of governments, >> the private sector, civil society and international organisations. No >> single government should have a pre-eminent role in relation to >> international internet governance." >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the >>>>>>>> term >> multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as meaning >> "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest that. But we >> certainly did mean that governments should be involved, and that no >> one government should dominate - but in the context of the involvement >> of other stakeholders too. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Best >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Anriette >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>>>>>>>>>> > > wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's >> behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with respect >> to Internet governance should only be made by bodies that allow free >> and equitable access to all stakeholders at all points in the >> decision-making process." Well of course. >>>>>>>>>>>> Two hoots to democracy! >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the >>>>>>>>>>>> proposed >> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... >>>>>>>>>>>> BUT... >>>>>>>>>>>> /* >>>>>>>>>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >> multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is different from what >> is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. >>>>>>>>>>>> If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all >> stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and role (as >> gov >> reps) in making decisions about public policies. >>>>>>>>>>>> Please address this point specifically. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion >>>>>>>>>>> of >> this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can read for >> yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At various times it >> was "parity" and "power sharing" before it became "equitable >> participation", which is somewhat flexible, to accommodate the >> different viewpoints that we all have about how equal the stakeholder > roles should be. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and > non-democracy. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in >> /*decision making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and non gov >> actors.... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that >>>>>>>>> this >> CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not multistakeholder >> governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to >>>>>>>>> multilateral >> democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet governanceshould be >> multilateral and democratic. " >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this >> present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - does >> not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the principle > inspirations. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also >> quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, CoE >> principles, and G 8 principles.... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term either >> does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much subsidiary >> fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil >> society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' >>>>>>>>> in >> this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance >> characteristics" you could think only of " openness, transparency, >> inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable multistakeholder >> participation */" (emphasis added) >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did >>>>>>>>> the >> word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur to >> someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the group.... >> Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for me to stay away from > this doc. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy >>>>>>>>> not to >> get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the thin end >> of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave new post >> democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream of.... It is a >> pity that a good part of civil society has agreed to be the Trojan >> Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib order. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like >>>>>>>>> equitable >> multistakeholder participation (further explained in the emerging >> contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the >>>>>>>>> survey) are getting introduced as basis of our governance. And >>>>>>>>> see >> how exactly it matches what some of us predicted is the prime >> objective at present of the US supported status quoists to get into >> the text of the outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC >>>>>>>>>> got >> taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important >> point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - rest >> is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and not skirt > it... >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >> submission to NetMundial >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of >>>>>>>>>> the >> people, possess public authority including internet-related public >> policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for legitimacy >> and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to respect and protect >> human rights, ensure that the rule of law is respected and that >> relevant national legislation complies with their obligations under >> international law. Moreover, they need to ensure that the appropriate >> basic conditions both in terms of cyber-security and technical >> provisions are in place. Civil society serves, and should continue to >> do so, as a facilitator and notably as a source of empowerment and >> credibility, especially at community level. The private sector and >> particularly the technical community significantly influence and >> encourage the development, distribution and accessibility of the >> internet, and should continue to do so. In order to fully live up to >> the potentials for economic growth, innovation, freedom of expression, >> access to information and ideas and democratic participation in a > knowledge society, all stakeholders involved need to work together." >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT >>>>>>>>>>> policy >> advocate, geek host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org >> |awk -F! '{print $3}' >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see >> http://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, >>>>>>>> association >> for progressive communications www.apc.org po box 29755, melville 2109 >> south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, >>>>> association >> for progressive communications www.apc.org po box 29755, melville 2109 >> south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>> >>> >> >> > > -- Pranesh Prakash Policy Director, Centre for Internet and Society T: +91 80 40926283 | W: http://cis-india.org ------------------- Access to Knowledge Fellow, Information Society Project, Yale Law School M: +1 520 314 7147 | W: http://yaleisp.org PGP ID: 0x1D5C5F07 | Twitter: https://twitter.com/pranesh_prakash -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 884 bytes Desc: OpenPGP digital signature URL: From Guru at ITforChange.net Mon Mar 10 15:23:33 2014 From: Guru at ITforChange.net (=?UTF-8?B?R3VydSDgpJfgpYHgpLDgpYE=?=) Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 00:53:33 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: References: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net>, <4bef49dbc3aa4d1eb8bd93f8f4c453ab@EX13-MBX-07.ad.syr.edu>,<531E0613.9040506@ITforChange.net> Message-ID: <531E1135.6050703@ITforChange.net> Guru, > > You are arguing that the Google search algorithm is a public good and > must be regulated as such. > > I am saying Google is just another - firm in a dominant position whose > secret sauce is a closely guarded trade secret. Unlike Coke's secret > formula, Google's changes often; but it is still a trade secret if > that's the way the business operates. > Lee No comparison between coke's formula and google's search algorithm Code is law and architecture is policy... Please read http://www.stanford.edu/class/msande91si/www-spr04/readings/week3/Lessig-pcforum.pdf or http://harvardmagazine.com/2000/01/code-is-law-html Guru > So yes my view is that in spite of all appearances of present > invincibility, odds are Google is just another firm with dominant > products in markets, at a particular point in time. > > Which usual government regulatory proceedings can handle without > resorting to a global regulatory takings process whose likelihood of > success is somewhere around highly unlikely; is all I am saying. It > would be a good topic for IGF. > > The concept of 'search neutrality' never got much traction, but it is > definitely legitimate for the Indian, and European, and US regulators > to consider the market impact of Google search results and address > them if there is evidence of abuse of a dominant position. > > Which, cough cough, well let's wait til the dust/smoke settles, but > certainly smells like Google has grown up to the point it may safely > be forecast that they will be operating under various competition > policy regulatory reviews for years to come. > > Congrats? ; ) > > Lee > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From deborah at accessnow.org Sat Mar 1 22:13:09 2014 From: deborah at accessnow.org (Deborah Brown) Date: Sat, 1 Mar 2014 22:13:09 -0500 Subject: [bestbits] Human Rights Council Briefing Note: 25th Session Message-ID: Dear all (apologies for cross posting), The 25th session of the Human Rights Council opens on Monday, 3 March. Please find below and attached a briefing noteprepared by Joy Liddicoat, Shawna Finnegan, and myself on internet rights issues that will be on this session's agenda. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to write me, Joy, or Shawna (copied). All the best, Deborah https://www.accessnow.org/page/-/docs/HRC25_BriefingNote_20130228.pdf *Briefing note: Human Rights Council 25th* *session* *By Deborah Brown (Access), Joy Liddicoat and Shawna Finnegan (Association for Progressive Communications)* Introduction: The 25th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) will take place in Geneva from March 3rd to 28th. This note provides information on internet related human rights issues in the upcoming session of the HRC. Overall, we can see the continuing trend of the HRC addressing internet and human rights issues in increasingly diverse aspects of its work. This is the Council's 25th session and will see internet issues considered across a broad range of topics, including in the context of peaceful protest, good governance, freedom of region and belief, the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, human rights defenders, cultural rights, and the rights of persons with disabilities to education. We continue to see more special procedures mandate holders (or Special Rapporteurs) referring to the internet, and internet issues continue to be raised on a country-specific basis, through for example the issues of content blocking and censorship in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)1<#sdfootnote1sym>processes relating to Pakistan and Malaysia. Surveillance and Human Rights: The right to privacy in age of mass government surveillance is increasingly on the Council's agenda. On the heels of a historic resolutionat the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on the Right to Privacy in the Digital Age (A/RES/68/167), an expert seminarwas held just ahead of HRC25 for the purpose of identifying ways forward to ensure the protection of human rights in an increasingly interconnected world. Organized by the co-sponsors of the UNGA resolution Brazil and Germany together with Austria, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Norway and Switzerland, the seminar sought to specifically address the question of whether and how surveillance undertaken domestically or extraterritorially may infringe on human rights. Among the many distinguished speakers was the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, who opened the meeting. In her opening remarksshe acknowledged that wide gaps between current legal frameworks and technological developments have led to a blurring of lines between public and private spheres; a lack of accountability and oversight in current practices; and the need for clarity on the role and obligation of companies. Pillay also highlighted the issue of surveillance in the digital age in her annual report to the Council, which will be presented at HRC25 (see below for more information). The High Commissioner's office will be writing a report dedicated to this issue, which should be completed in July and considered at both the HRC's 27th session in September and the 69thsession of the General Assembly soon after. Her office has issued an open callfor inputing into the report and creating a dedicated section on the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights' website for the material submitted. The seminar also provided the sponsoring states with an opportunity to hear form the experts on what steps the Council should take to advance efforts to protect the right to privacy in the digital age. Among the options discussed were a new special procedures mandate focused specifically on this issue; a new General Comment from the Human Rights Committee; a new Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justiceon the extraterritorial application of human rights obligations in the context of communications technology. Each option offers a different set of tools, ranging from advancing norms to oversight and regular reporting. It is unlikely for the HRC to address the substance of this issue until the report is considered in September, however HRC25 will likely see a procedural resolution calling for a panel to discuss the High Commissioner's report at its 27th session. Nonetheless, one could expect surveillance and whistle-blowers to come up various ways during this session, in particular during the High Level Segment at the beginning of the session when ministers and other high-level officials address the Council and in Agenda item 3 (*Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development)*. Additionally, during the same time as HRC25, the U.S. will be under reviewat another human rights body in Geneva- the Human Rights Committee. The Committee is an expert body that reviews government compliance with treaty obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). From the afternoon2 <#sdfootnote2sym> of Thursday, 13 March through Friday, 14 March, the U.S. will stand before the Committee and be questionedon a range of human rights issues, including its policies on surveillancein the context of Article 17 of the ICCPR. A number of civil society organizations have submitted shadow reports on the issue and there will be events in Geneva to raise awareness and pressure (see more information in the "side events" section below). Plenary sessions will be live streamed and archived at: http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/webcast/c/un-human-rights-council.html All documents for HRC25 including the reports referenced below can be found here. The twitter hashtag for the session is #HRC25 HRC 25 Agenda items relevant to internet rights *Item 2. Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General* *Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/25/19)* 40. OHCHR continued to address other complex legal and policy challenges, including *issues relating to mass surveillance and the right to privacy in the digital age. While modern communications technology provides a powerful tool for democracy, it has also contributed to a blurring of lines between the public and the private spheres, and has generated unprecedented levels of interference with the right to privacy.* *Agenda Items 2 and 3: Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human* *Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General and Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development* *Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the deliberations held during the seminar on effective measures and best practices to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests (A/HRC/25/32)* 5. *The High Commissioner noted that protests were better organized and more innovative than ever, aided by new means of communication, including social media, thus raising more publicity and awareness about underlying causes.* She expressed regret that in too many situations, peaceful protests were met with brutal repression, including excessive use of force, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture and even summary executions or extrajudicial killings. Restrictive laws were passed, limiting the space for peaceful protest, non-violent acts were criminalized and those exercising their rights were prosecuted and subjected to unfair trials. *In addition, journalists, Internet users and human rights defenders were threatened, intimidated and harassed because of their role in documenting and denouncing human rights violations committed in the context of peaceful protests.* 16, *Finally, the important role of social media in peaceful protest was acknowledged by participants. New information and communications technologies enabled and facilitated the enjoyment of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. Therefore, panellists observed, the use of social media and the Internet should be protected and facilitated in the context of peaceful protests.* *Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the role of the public service as an essential component of good governance in the promotion and protection of human rights (A/HRC/25/27)* Assessing public service employees 59. Some Member States have a system of assessing employees using key performance indicators and *taking into account the views of online communities*. Latvia has introduced new regulations that allow for a 360-degree performance evaluation for those working in public service. E-technology 60. *Many Member States are modernizing their public service systems with the use of e-technology, given that increasing numbers of people have access to mobile telephones, even in remote and poor areas of Burkina Faso and Morocco. Cameroon has a website (and a radio programme) on public services. Mauritius has introduced a human rights e-portal.* *Others maybe of interest (not available yet)* - A/HRC/25/34 Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against, persons based on religion or belief. - A/HRC/25/30 Rights of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. *Agenda Item 3: Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development* *Report of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Heiner Bielefeldt* In his annual report (*A/HRC/25/58)*, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Heiner Bielefeldt focuses on the need to tackle manifestations of collective religious hatred, making specific reference to the internet: Public and private media should be encouraged to help overcome religious or belief-related stereotypes by replacing these with more accurate and nuanced information. By promoting more balanced representations, professional journalism, including investigative journalism, can contribute to a public atmosphere of common sense, realism and experience, serving as an antidote to conspiracy theories, misperceptions and public hysteria. *As new social media and the Internet have become major tools for fostering advocacy of religious hatred and incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence in many countries, specific efforts should be directed towards understanding and addressing this phenomenon appropriately*; [To be debated 11 March, 12:00-15:00 CET] *Report of the Special Rapporteur on on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, Najat Maalla M'jid (A/HRC/25/55)* 49. Similarly, *the expansion of the Internet and social networking has had an impact on children's social norms.* The exposure of children to child pornography inspires and influences their sexual practices and affects their behaviour. Prevailing standards and peer pressure has led adolescents to share sexualized images of themselves, making them vulnerable to abuse and potentially redefining some of the social limits of acceptability of child pornography. 53. *The Internet brings tremendous positive opportunities, in particular for children and young people.* *Although the Internet may not represent a determinant per se of the sale and sexual exploitation of children, it does nonetheless operate as an instrument for offenders, multiplying the possibilities of obtaining, distributing and selling child abuse material and facilitating access to children in all parts of the world, and consequently promoting the growth of this phenomenon.* [To be debated 12 March, 09:00-12:00 CET] *Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Margaret Sekaggya (A/HRC/25/55)* 92. With regard to youth and student defenders, the Special Rapporteur is concerned about how youth is perceived in society. Often, their young age and alleged lack of maturity are used as grounds for not giving them a say in public affairs. The Special Rapporteur regrets that there is a trend in many countries of passing legislation that prohibits young people from participating in public assemblies. *Other legislative moves pertain to the Internet, social media and instant messaging, which are increasingly subject to control by Governments.* There are also many references to journalists and media workers in this report, where internet related issues may arise. [To be debated 10 March, 09:00-12:00 CET] *Thematic study on the right of persons with disabilities to education (A/HRC/25/29)* 45. There may be numerous support measures based on individual education plans, ranging from the provision of compensatory aids, special learning aids, *assistive and information technology and the application of special education procedures.* One of the most important measures is the use of a learning support assistant, either shared or on a one-to-one basis, depending on the needs of the student. It is important to stress that this non-exhaustive list is a continuum of support measures reflected in article 24, paragraph 2 (d) and (e), of the Convention. [To be debated 9 March, 12:00-15:00 CET] *Report of the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, Farida Shaheed (A/HRC/25/49) * 91. The role of external actors in shaping memorial landscape has been transformed by the use of information technology. *The Internet has led to the internationalization of memory processes, an evolution epitomized by the memorialization of the Gulag*. [To be debated 12 March, 09:00-12:00 CET] *Agenda Item 4: Human rights situations that require the Council's attention* *Report of the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (A/HRC/25/63)* 30. *Strengthening market forces and advancements in information technology have allowed greater access to information from outside the country as information and media from the Republic of Korea and China increasingly enter the country. *The State's monopoly on information is therefore being challenged by the increasing flow of outside information into the country and the ensuing curiosity of the people for "truths" other than those provided by State propaganda. Authorities seek to preserve their monopoly on information by carrying out regular crackdowns and enforcing harsh punishments. [To be debated 17 March 10:00-13:00 CET] *Others maybe of interest (not available yet)* - A/HRC/25/26 Report of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran [To be debated 18 March 14:00-18:00 CET] - A/HRC/25/64 Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana [To be debated 18 March 14:00-18:00 CET] *Special Procedures Appointments* The 25th session of the Human Rights Council will also include appointments of *mandate holders* , including Special Rapporteurs on the situation on human rights defenders, the rights of indigenous peoples and on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. *Panels* - Civil society space: creating and maintaining, in law and in practice, a safe and enabling environment: The Council will hold a panel discussion to address the importance of the promotion and protection of civil society space, which will, inter alia, contribute to the identification of challenges facing States in their efforts to ensure space for civil society and lessons learned and good practices in this regard. (11 March, 15:00-18:00 CET) - Rights of persons with disabilities: Annual interactive debate on the rights of persons with disabilities with a focus on the right of persons with disabilities to education (19 March, 12:00-15:00 CET) *Side Events* - The Right to Privacy in the Digital Age (American Civil Liberties Union), 13 March, 11:00-13:00 CET - Adoption of Malaysia's 2nd UPR Report *Implementing the Accepted Recommendations: The Challenges Ahead *Friday 21 March 12:00-14:00 CET 1 <#sdfootnote1anc>At its 25th session, the Council will consider and adopt the final outcome of the review of Belize (A/HRC/25/13), Central African Republic (A/HRC/25/11), Chad (A/HRC/25/14), China (A/HRC/25/5), Congo (A/HRC/25/16), Israel (A/HRC/25/15), Jordan (A/HRC/25/9), Malta (A/HRC/25/17), Malaysia (A/HRC/25/10), Mauritius (A/HRC/25/8), Mexico (A/HRC/25/7), Monaco (A/HRC/25/12), Nigeria (A/HRC/25/6), Saudi Arabia (A/HRC/25/3) and Senegal (A/HRC/25/4). 2 <#sdfootnote2anc>Note: all times referenced in this briefing note are in Central European Time (CET/GMT+1) -- Deborah Brown Senior Policy Analyst Access | accessnow.org rightscon.org @deblebrown PGP 0x5EB4727D -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: HRC25_BriefingNote_20130228.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 277787 bytes Desc: not available URL: From avri at acm.org Mon Mar 10 15:31:47 2014 From: avri at acm.org (Avri Doria) Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 15:31:47 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <531E0EBD.5010005@ITforChange.net> References: <531E0241.7000302@ITforChange.net> <531E0669.1070401@ITforChange.net> <531E0D9F.6090405@acm.org> <531E0EBD.5010005@ITforChange.net> Message-ID: <531E1323.8080608@acm.org> On 10-Mar-14 15:13, Guru गुरु wrote: > On 03/11/2014 12:38 AM, Avri Doria wrote: >> >> >> On 10-Mar-14 14:37, Guru गुरु wrote: >>> 'you need not use Google search' is quite impractical/rhetorical >> >> >> I use mostly duckduckgoo, > > Avri > > I am eager to know why do you mostly use duckduckgoo > > Guru > > Eager? how could I refuse. no ads no IP history kept for tracing back of queries (privacy enhancement) well ordered useful links. instant answers useful add-on services cheers avri >> sometimes bing. and sometimes google to. i have set my browsers, and >> i use various as can anyone, to choose duckduckgo as my primary search. >> >> doesn't seem rhetorical, it is easily done. >> >> also seems practical to me. and i don't think there is anything >> privileged or especially knowledgeable/geeky about doing what i do. i >> learned about duckduckgo orginally from a non geek when i was >> bemoaning the loss of scroogle - but they did piggyback on google. >> >> avri > From pranesh at cis-india.org Mon Mar 10 15:34:07 2014 From: pranesh at cis-india.org (Pranesh Prakash) Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 15:34:07 -0400 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <531B0283.60303@wzb.eu> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> <531AC0CA.3010001@itforchange.net> <531B0283.60303@wzb.eu> Message-ID: <531E13AF.4080808@cis-india.org> Jeanette Hofmann [2014-03-08 6:44:03]: >> Conversely, since there is considerable interest here in >> multistakeholder policy making, even at national levels, would you >> support pharma companies, for instance, sitting in bodies making - >> actually making - health and drug policies, and big publishers in >> education policy making, and so on... > > > The problem is that the pharmaceutical companies have been doing this > for decades - but behind closed doors. National legislation is not done > without consulting with industries affected. Sometimes, particularly on > the EU level, they even write the draft legislation. Multistakeholder > offers the chance to broaden the consulation process and bring this > process in the open daylight so that everybody can see what has been > going on in secret. I don't see how "multistakeholder" models offer that chance rather than having a transparent process of legislating, including having green/white papers, public consultations, making the responses to the consultations public, requiring statements of interests from bureaucrats and legislators, having watchdog bodies, having research staff, having an ombudsman body for receiving complaints about corruption, etc. One can have all of this without "multistakeholder decision-making processes". Of course, if we're equating a open and consultative process with "multistakeholder" model, then we're in opposition; we would have a disagreement about vocabulary, though. At the end of the day, businesses are accountable to shareholders alone and academics are accountable to their institutions alone, while democratic governments are, at least in theory and often in practice, accountable to the voting public. -- Pranesh Prakash Policy Director, Centre for Internet and Society T: +91 80 40926283 | W: http://cis-india.org ------------------- Access to Knowledge Fellow, Information Society Project, Yale Law School M: +1 520 314 7147 | W: http://yaleisp.org PGP ID: 0x1D5C5F07 | Twitter: https://twitter.com/pranesh_prakash -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 884 bytes Desc: OpenPGP digital signature URL: From mishi at softwarefreedom.org Mon Mar 10 16:07:18 2014 From: mishi at softwarefreedom.org (Mishi Choudhary) Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 16:07:18 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <531E1323.8080608@acm.org> References: <531E0241.7000302@ITforChange.net> <531E0669.1070401@ITforChange.net> <531E0D9F.6090405@acm.org> <531E0EBD.5010005@ITforChange.net> <531E1323.8080608@acm.org> Message-ID: <531E1B76.6090500@softwarefreedom.org> Moi Aussi! Almost exactly like Avri but with no Bing! On 03/10/2014 03:31 PM, Avri Doria wrote: > > > On 10-Mar-14 15:13, Guru गुरु wrote: >> On 03/11/2014 12:38 AM, Avri Doria wrote: >>> >>> >>> On 10-Mar-14 14:37, Guru गुरु wrote: >>>> 'you need not use Google search' is quite impractical/rhetorical >>> >>> >>> I use mostly duckduckgoo, >> >> Avri >> >> I am eager to know why do you mostly use duckduckgoo >> >> Guru >> >> > > Eager? > how could I refuse. > > no ads > no IP history kept for tracing back of queries (privacy enhancement) > well ordered useful links. > instant answers > useful add-on services > > > > cheers > > avri > > > > >>> sometimes bing. and sometimes google to. i have set my browsers, and >>> i use various as can anyone, to choose duckduckgo as my primary search. >>> >>> doesn't seem rhetorical, it is easily done. >>> >>> also seems practical to me. and i don't think there is anything >>> privileged or especially knowledgeable/geeky about doing what i do. i >>> learned about duckduckgo orginally from a non geek when i was >>> bemoaning the loss of scroogle - but they did piggyback on google. >>> >>> avri >> -- Warm Regards Mishi Choudhary, Esq. Legal Director Software Freedom Law Center 1995 Broadway Floor 17 New York, NY-10023 (tel) 212-461-1912 (fax) 212-580-0898 www.softwarefreedom.org Executive Director SFLC.IN K-9, Second Floor Jangpura Extn. New Delhi-110014 (tel) +91-11-43587126 (fax) +91-11-24323530 www.sflc.in From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Mon Mar 10 23:11:56 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina Rossini) Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 23:11:56 -0400 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> Message-ID: The Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br) is responsible for overseeing and aiding Internet development in the country, as well as the coordination and integration of all Internet services initiatives. It was established by a Inter-ministerial (Ministry of Communication and Ministry of Science, Technology and Inovation) Ordinance in 1995, and later amended by a Presidential Decree in 2003. The CGI.br is currently composed by 21 members: -Nine representatives of the Federal Government: Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation - that also coordinates the Committee; Ministry of Communication; Presidential Cabinet; Ministry of Defense; Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade; Ministry of Planning, Budget and Management; National Telecommunication Agency; National Council for Scientific, and Technological Development ; National Council of State Secretariats for Science Technology and Information Issues -Four representatives from the corporate sector Internet access and content providers; Telecommunication infrastructure providers; Hardware, telecommunication and software industries; Enterprises that use the Internet . - Four representatives from the third sector (NGOs, civil society non-profit organizations) - Three representatives from the scientific and technological community - One Internet Expert The representatives are elected every 3 years by their own sectors, an electoral college previously settled for this only purpose, and most of the decisions are taken by consensus. The meetings occur monthly and, depending on the subject being debated, the Committee passes resolutions proposing policies, recommending standards and procedures, establishing strategic directives . These recommendations haven't any legal power, their aim is to inform the policies and legislation and Internet governance stakeholders actions. CGI.br is thus a true multistakeholder body. The federal government is well represented but does not have a majority of voting member neither has influence over the representatives election. In order to perform its activities, the CGI.br created a non - profit civil organization, the Brazilian Network Information Center (NIC.br) that, with the names registration surplus, provides a range of services to the Brazilian Internet community as is illustrated: registering and maintaining <.br> domain names, as well as allocating Autonomous System Numbers (ASN) and IPv4 or IPv6 addresses in the country throug Registro.br; handling and responding to computer security incidents involving networks connected to the Brazilian Internet, which are activities to be carried out by CERT.br; projects that support and improve the network infrastructure in the country, such as the direct interconnection between networks (PTT.br) and the distribution of the Brazilian Official Time (NTP.br). These projects are the responsibility of CEPTRO.br; producing and publishing indicators, statistics and strategic information on the development of the Brazilian Internet, under the responsibility of CETIC.br; promoting studies and recommending procedures, norms and technical and operational standards that will improve network and Internet service security, as well as ensure its increased and adequate use by society, as established by the W3C.br; providing technical and operational support to LACNIC, the Internet Address Registry for Latin America and the Caribbean. On Sat, Mar 8, 2014 at 1:32 AM, parminder wrote: > > On Friday 07 March 2014 03:40 PM, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > > Dear all > > I think it is not so clear cut. > > We live in a time of governance processes changing, and we have > opportunities to make them more democratic. > > I recently had a discussion with someone in the government of Brazil who > is very active in CGI.br. > > I asked him whether CGI.br is a platform for policy shaping (to use > Jovan's term) or policy making. My understanding was that it was primarily > for policy shaping. > > He said I was wrong, and that it is in fact a multi-stakeholder body that > can make certain types of policies. Members of CGI.br on these lists can > give examples. > > CGI.br is a formally constituted (by act of the legislature) body that is > multi-stakeholder, and that can make certain types of public policies, as > well as make recommendations for public policies. > > > I will like to hear of an instance of CGI.Br having made a public policy. > Can you offer one.. then we will know what exactly are we discussing here. > > Apart from the difference between public policies and technical decisions, > is also the difference between original public policy authority and > delegated authority. These are concepts and ideas that are rather well > worked out in the texts of political science and public administration. > > A public policy function is sovereign in the sense of not being subject to > a higher authority (judicial review being a different matter) and is > accompanied with legitimate coercive power for enforcement. Such power only > lies with elected representatives in democracies. It cannot, for instance, > be exercised by business representatives . > > (At the global level, such sovereignty is exercised in a complex manner > whereby national legislatures often need to ratify international treaties, > and while many of such treaties carry enforcement elements, the manner of > their national application remain in a somewhat complex interplay with > national political systems. But this system of global public policies still > works.) > > As such CGI.Br does not and cannot consitutionally undertake public policy > function. Happy to hear counter-arguments. > > There is a huge problem with deforming the clear political definitions > regarding public policy etc and then find entry points for big business to > exercise formal political power..... Once such a role is established on > some areas, then this power migrates upwards to cover all areas of our > social and political existence. This is what is happening now. > > Do note that the currently fashionable meme of 'equal footing' in public > policy functions does not ever circumscribe the areas where big business > can thus exercise formal political power, and where it cannot. The > multistakeholder policy making models, for instance the one offered by > Jeremy, applies to all areas of Internet policies at the global level. > Soon, it will be areas of policy in any sector at the global level. Such > efforts are of course already afoot. And then gradually this models is > brought to the national levels. > > I remain worried how few here see and fear the headlong plunge into a > neoliberal post-democratic system that we may be taking, and in fact > contributing so strongly to... > > parminder > > > > > Membership of CGI.br is of course not informal - it is quite formal, but > it is multi-stakeholder. > > Government has more positions which is something I have heard some > Brazilian civil society express concern about. But it does mean that > different parts of government is represented which his important. Business > is represented through industry bodies, and so on. > > It is an example of how governance processes can change, and how public > policy making can be more inclusive and multi-stakeholder and go beyond the > traditional 'government proposes policy - with or without public > consulation, follwed by legislature reviewing and approving/rejecting'. > > From a CS perspective I think we need to lobby for traditional models to > be more inclusive, for public consultation to be introduced where it does > not exist, and to be improved where it does. But we should also propose and > promote new models where policy-making is actually done in an inclusive MS > space. > > Anriette > > > On 06/03/2014 14:02, parminder wrote: > > Joy > > You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. > > So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil society > statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold that non-gov > participants(which includes business) should be on the same footing as > gov participants in terms of actually *making public **policies* > > *. *Fine. There is no room for confusion now. > > I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. > > Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy making, which > arent there in the mentioned statement, or its accompanying statements. > > parminder > > PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. And Joy - or > is it someone else from APC - is on the steering committee on BB... I hope > such mis-statements are avoided, and when pointed out withdrawn. Thanks. > > > On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: > > As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter the full > quote in Theme 6.1 is: > > Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with the full > involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and > international organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent > role in relation to international internet governance. > > This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder processes are > not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and APC has been on record > in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder processes: these are simply one > form of democratic participation. To be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites > a range of other documents and says, taken together, certain principles > relevant to internet governance can be deduced and should be taken forward > into NetMundial, including human rights. > > I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 > recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. > > It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing the Best > Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: > a) governments alone make public policy including some which is relevant > to internet governance > b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other when doing > so; and > c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and therefore > should not be on an equal footing with governments this role (though they > can of course be involved/consulted) . > > Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines that > a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public policy which is > relevant to internet governance > b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing or parity > with each other when doing so; > > Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission which > simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles NetMundial is > considering, equitable multi-stakholder participation and human rights > (among others) are relevant to them. > > > Joy > Joy > On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > > Dear all > > Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and the use > of 'multilateral'. > > The full text in Theme 6.1 is: > > "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with the full > involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and > international organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent > role in relation to international internet governance." > > When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its dictionary sense > as meaning the involvement of multiple parties and multiple countries. We > did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. > > In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic defines how we > understood the term: "with the full involvement of governments, the private > sector, civil society and international organisations. No single government > should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international internet > governance." > > Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the term > multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as meaning "among > governments". It was not our intention to suggest that. But we certainly > did mean that governments should be involved, and that no one government > should dominate - but in the context of the involvement of other > stakeholders too. > > Best > > Anriette > > > On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: > > > On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: > > > On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: > > On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder wrote: > > And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's behalf has > this all important principle, "Decisions made with respect to Internet > governance should only be made by bodies that allow free and equitable > access to all stakeholders at all points in the decision-making process." > Well of course. Two hoots to democracy! > > Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed submission > to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. > > I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP Principles - > which seem the main burden of the submission.... BUT... > > *Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable multistakeholder > participation"* and whether it is different from what is meant in the > above statement from 1Net's survey. If so, how.... More precisely, are you > seeking that all stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and > role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. Please > address this point specifically. > > > Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of this on > the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can read for yourself: > https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At various times it was "parity" > and "power sharing" before it became "equitable participation", which is > somewhat flexible, to accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have > about how equal the stakeholder roles should be. > > > > I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and non-democracy. > > So, request a clear response - do you mean *parity* in *decision making*about *public > policies *between gov and non gov actors.... > > > > It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that this CS > contribution refers to speak of democracy but not multistakeholder > governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. > > In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to multilateral > democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet governance should be > multilateral and democratic. " > > Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this present > submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - does not come from > the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the principle inspirations. > > Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also quoted as > somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, CoE principles, and G > 8 principles.... > > In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and emphatically > speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term either does not figure > (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy > (the other two docs) > > Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil society > actors in IG space - come up with ..... > > There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in this > doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance characteristics" > you could think only of " openness, transparency, inclusivity, > accountability, and *equitable multistakeholder participation *" > (emphasis added) > > In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the word > 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur to someone and > was contributed but did not find favour in the group.... Dont know which is > worse. But both are bad enough for me to stay away from this doc. > > And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not to get > caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the thin end of the > wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave new post democratic world, > that one which the neo liberals dream of.... It is a pity that a good part > of civil society has agreed to be the Trojan Horse for the powerful > warriors of the neolib order. > > See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like equitable > multistakeholder participation (further explained in the emerging > contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the survey) are getting > introduced as basis of our governance. And see how exactly it matches what > some of us predicted is the prime objective at present of the US supported > status quoists to get into the text of the outcomes from NetMundial...... > All of piece. > > parminder > > > And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got taken on > this kind of discussion. This is the single most important point today, if > we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - rest is not too > difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and not skirt it... > > BTW, the German government has the following to say in its submission to > NetMundial > > "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of the people, > possess public authority including internet-related public policy issues > and are supposed to be the main source for legitimacy and democratic > legitimation. Hence they have to respect and protect human rights, ensure > that the rule of law is respected and that relevant national legislation > complies with their obligations under international law. Moreover, they > need to ensure that the appropriate basic conditions both in terms of > cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. Civil society serves, > and should continue to do so, as a facilitator and notably as a source of > empowerment and credibility, especially at community level. The private > sector and particularly the technical community significantly influence and > encourage the development, distribution and accessibility of the internet, > and should continue to do so. In order to fully live up to the potentials > for economic growth, innovation, freedom of expression, access to > information and ideas and democratic participation in a knowledge society, > all stakeholders involved need to work together." > > Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... > > parminder > > > > > > -- > Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com > Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek > host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' > > WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended > to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see > http://jere.my/l/pgp. > > > > > -- > ------------------------------------------------------ > anriette esterhuysen anriette at apc.org > executive director, association for progressive communicationswww.apc.org > po box 29755, melville 2109 > south africa > tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 > > > > > -- > ------------------------------------------------------ > anriette esterhuysen anriette at apc.org > executive director, association for progressive communicationswww.apc.org > po box 29755, melville 2109 > south africa > tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 > > > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. > To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: > http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits > -- *Carolina Rossini* *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* Open Technology Institute *New America Foundation* // http://carolinarossini.net/ + 1 6176979389 *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* skype: carolrossini @carolinarossini -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Guru at ITforChange.net Mon Mar 10 23:50:53 2014 From: Guru at ITforChange.net (=?UTF-8?B?R3VydSDgpJfgpYHgpLDgpYE=?=) Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 09:20:53 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <531E1323.8080608@acm.org> References: <531E0241.7000302@ITforChange.net> <531E0669.1070401@ITforChange.net> <531E0D9F.6090405@acm.org> <531E0EBD.5010005@ITforChange.net> <531E1323.8080608@acm.org> Message-ID: <531E881D.7070002@ITforChange.net> On 03/11/2014 01:01 AM, Avri Doria wrote: > > > On 10-Mar-14 15:13, Guru गुरु wrote: >> On 03/11/2014 12:38 AM, Avri Doria wrote: >>> >>> >>> On 10-Mar-14 14:37, Guru गुरु wrote: >>>> 'you need not use Google search' is quite impractical/rhetorical >>> >>> >>> I use mostly duckduckgoo, >> >> Avri >> >> I am eager to know why do you mostly use duckduckgoo >> >> Guru >> >> > > Eager? > how could I refuse. > > no ads > no IP history kept for tracing back of queries (privacy enhancement) Thanks Avri, I suspected as much. imho, we need to have clear rules in place, made democratically, ("regulation") to ensure that a monopoly provider cannot so easily extract personal/social information for private gains.... Your individual good practice cannot be seen as a real global solution (for reasons which I have already mentioned, as to why Google is a monopoly) regards Guru > well ordered useful links. > instant answers > useful add-on services > > > > cheers > > avri > > > > >>> sometimes bing. and sometimes google to. i have set my browsers, and >>> i use various as can anyone, to choose duckduckgo as my primary search. >>> >>> doesn't seem rhetorical, it is easily done. >>> >>> also seems practical to me. and i don't think there is anything >>> privileged or especially knowledgeable/geeky about doing what i do. i >>> learned about duckduckgo orginally from a non geek when i was >>> bemoaning the loss of scroogle - but they did piggyback on google. >>> >>> avri >> From antiropy at gmail.com Mon Mar 10 23:53:48 2014 From: antiropy at gmail.com (Byoung-il Oh) Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 12:53:48 +0900 Subject: [bestbits] Korean Civil Society Contribution to NETmnundial Message-ID: Hello, all Several Korean civil society organizations including Korean Progressive Network Jinbonet, Open Net (Korea), CyberCommons (Korea), Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice, Network Neutrality User Forum, submitted Korean civil society opinions to NETmundial. I'd like to share it with you. http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/korean-civil-society-submission-for-netmundial/146 Best, Byoungil Oh (Korean Progressive Network Jinbonet) -- -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Guru at ITforChange.net Tue Mar 11 06:14:21 2014 From: Guru at ITforChange.net (=?UTF-8?B?R3VydSDgpJfgpYHgpLDgpYE=?=) Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:44:21 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] Vodafone accused of secretly sharing data with British agency Message-ID: <531EE1FD.4040607@ITforChange.net> In the light of the large scale complicity of transnational IT corporates in colluding with their political masters (see today's news item from the same newspaper which reported the Google market malpractice probe yesterday), how do we expect any meaningful progress in global public policy making to protect and promote public interest in Internet Governance through the 'multi-stakeholderism' model, wherein these economic powerhouses can stall/stalemate any policy proposals that affect their economic interests / political interests of their masters? I look forward to hear from those who think 'equal footing' for corporates in the public policy making processes is a good idea. For me the 8 years of the IGF is a clear proof that anything in the public interest that affects the political/economic interests of these groups can make little or no progress adopting a multi-stakeholder model... And such a stalemate has terrible costs for some others, over these 8 years, the net has become even much more a symbol of concentration of power... imho, progress can come when people/institutions/networks believing in the idea of a public interest come together to resist these powerful forces. and I see these comprising to a good extent, of many friends and sympathisers from the developed countries,working with developing country governments (many of who are practising democracies), academia and civil society institutions/networks... regards, Guru Vodafone accused of secretly sharing data with British agency New Delhi, Mar 10, 2014, (PTI) Major telecom player Vodafone has been accused by the Union Home Ministry of secretly sharing subscriber data with a British intelligence and security organisation, a charge denied by the company. According to documents of the Internal Security Division of the Home Ministry, Vodafone is alleged to have given the UK-based Government Communication Headquarters (GCHQ) "secret unlimited access to their network of under sea cables, which carry much of world's phone calls and Internet traffic". "GCHQ's mass tapping operations has been built up over the past five years by attaching intercept probes to the transatlantic cables where they land on British shores," the home ministry documents claimed. "Intercept partners are paid for logistical assistance," it said.... for more, read http://www.deccanherald.com/content/391064/voda-accused-secretly-sharing-data.html From avri at acm.org Tue Mar 11 08:52:51 2014 From: avri at acm.org (Avri Doria) Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 08:52:51 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] NetMundial Contributions Message-ID: <531F0723.4090606@acm.org> Hi, I ended up submitting 4 short contributions to NetMundial. As the formatting in the submissions ends up horrid, I also put copies in my blog. Both are listed. I have also corrected some typos (i am sure there are more) in the blog versions. 1 - Multistakeholder model as a form of democracy (117) (Principle) http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/multstakeholder-model-as-a-form-of-democracy/117.pdf http://avri.doria.org/post/78738489226/the-multistakeholder-model-is-a-form-of-democracy 2 - One possible roadmap for IANA evolution (153) (Roadmap) http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/one-possible-roadmap-for-iana-evolution/153.pdf http://avri.doria.org/post/78863643474/one-possible-roadmap-for-iana-evolution 3 - Discussion of Principles related to Stakeholder Roles and Responsibilities (2012) (Combined) http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/discussion-of-principles-related-to-stakeholder-roles-and-responsibilities/201.pdf http://avri.doria.org/post/78896938171/discussion-of-principles-related-to-stakeholder-roles 4 - Bottom-up Oversight in Multistakeholder Organizations (237) (roadmap) http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/bottom-up-oversight-in-multistakeholder-organizations/237.pdf http://avri.doria.org/post/78949618590/bottom-up-oversight-of-multistakeholder-processes Note: I understand a zip of all contributions can be found at: http://linguasynaptica.com/netmundial-contributions-archive/ From shawna at apc.org Tue Mar 11 14:44:58 2014 From: shawna at apc.org (Shawna Finnegan) Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 13:44:58 -0500 Subject: [bestbits] Job opportunity with APC: Internet Rights Outreach and Capacity-building Coordinator for the Maghreb-Machrek region In-Reply-To: <530CCD2D.9020705@apc.org> References: <530CCD2D.9020705@apc.org> Message-ID: <531F59AA.2010609@apc.org> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Dear all, I apologize for cross-posting. APC is hiring an Outreach and Capacity-building Coordinator to lead our internet rights networking and capacity-building work with human rights defenders and women's rights groups in the Maghreb-Machrek region. Detailed specifications of the position are available here: https://www.apc.org/en/news/job-opportunity-internet-rights-outreach-and-capac Please share this job posting with anyone who you think may be interested. The deadline to apply is March 24th. Best wishes, Shawna - --------------------------------* Job opportunity: Internet Rights Outreach and Capacity-building Coordinator for the Maghreb-Machrek region* APC is seeking an outreach and capacity building coordinator to join its Communications and Information Policy Programme (CIPP) to coordinate APC's internet rights networking and capacity-building work with women's and human rights defenders in the Maghreb-Machrek region. Main purpose of the job: The outreach and capacity building coordinator will be responsible for coordinating APC's regional and national advocacy, networking and learning activities in the Maghreb-Machrek region. These activities form part of a larger project that aims to make regulatory frameworks governing the internet in the region more rights oriented and to empower human rights defenders, women's rights groups and others in civil society to use the internet effectively, safely and securely. -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.12 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with Thunderbird - http://www.enigmail.net/ iQGcBAEBAgAGBQJTH1mqAAoJEAZqUsH4P1GKlQkL+gMcqitPq8sZ5uFzuIaOBGA9 QOMzZfvoU0cxUQsQ2n0XvpaAnpvTyGDcX6x93efHuybooKLYB05mmYLCpodsVWpu 094zaWfDHWACuIfH8S7QBvI7gZOeSoTA0irUopFP0OzeqzATzhVDdTnHSYStHMBM yt5bDKg11rdslTr6B9Y701M/nDpZPQOqoAijYZBWADJE5hxL7wncCVJx5mLOxR1R zFIzHYAK+oHMJc49BMRrsySDA/dK/P3If9M1zzuLquXJsPCU3rkcToeSFJcexDyy g4+ZfsMiHUfC344xMhUB/gQr/V4/U1OPyEiUtOSkGdMJPAlqTdiaC1OJOOFtg7JR 2rx5d1YDB4b/he+noQrP99NJ9EENrli/KNoSROQxeTuU42n+cfDVORFvF668WIq7 aJkJwaJujJbXscpPE+xx5EbJ5ShgLYF51vCqPkh6BguDCoNJ87touaki4bTycPcC hB2VF4l8G1bET0EDg3A9H+obh8lfBoNLj782bJDirA== =MgS3 -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Tue Mar 11 15:51:51 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina Rossini) Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:51:51 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Fwd: [discuss] Report from Pew and Elon on Digital Life in 2025 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Janna Anderson Date: Tue, Mar 11, 2014 at 3:48 PM Subject: [discuss] Report from Pew and Elon on Digital Life in 2025 To: "discuss at 1net.org List" , " governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org" < governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org>, "air-l-bounces at listserv.aoir.org" < air-l-bounces at listserv.aoir.org> Apologies for cross-posts... Many people on this list may find a report released by Pew Research and the Imagining the Internet Center today to be relevant and useful. Titled* "Digital Life in 2025 *," it is an analysis of nearly 1,500 responses to a question about the impact of the Internet by 2025. (Thanks to the many people in this group who participated in the survey.) Among the 15 themes that were identified in the analysis of the responses were several that prove that close attention must be devoted - as it is now and beyond - to the details of Internet evolution. *The 15 themes extracted from the 150 pages (single-spaced) of survey responses to the question on Internet impact by 2025 and good and bad results include: * - The Internet will be invisibly interwoven in daily life. - It could be much more advanced or it may be much the same in 2025 but more people will certainly have access globally. - The spread of the Internet will enhance global connectivity that fosters more relationships and less ignorance. - The Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and big data will make people more aware of their world and their own behavior. - Augmented reality and wearable devices will be implemented to monitor and give quick feedback, especially in regard to personal health. - Political awareness and action will be facilitated and more peaceful change and public uprisings like the Arab Spring will emerge. - The spread of the "Ubernet" will diminish the meaning of borders, and new "nations" of those with shared interests may emerge and exist beyond the capacity of current nation-states to control - The Internet will become "the Internets" as access, systems, and principles are renegotiated. - An Internet-enabled revolution in education will spread more opportunities. - Dangerous divides between "haves" and "have-nots" may expand, resulting in resentment and possible violence. - Abuses and abusers will "evolve and scale," human nature isn't changing - there's laziness, bullying, stalking, pornography, dirty tricks, crime. - Governments and corporations will try to assert power as they invoke security and cultural norms. - People will make tradeoffs favoring convenience and perceived immediate gains over privacy. *- Humans and their current organizations may not respond quickly enough to the challenges presented by complex networks.* *- Most people are not yet noticing the profound changes communications networks are already bringing about.* *- Foresight and accurate predictions can make a difference.* I highlighted the last three because they are of extreme importance, according to some of the wisest of the experts surveyed. You can read the full details of the report and nearly all of the responses given or download the report here: http://www.elon.edu/e-web/imagining/surveys/2014_survey/2025_Internet_Impact.xhtml - full report online on one page http://www.elon.edu/e-web/imagining/surveys/2014_survey/2025_Internet_Impact_credit.xhtml - all for-credit responses http://www.elon.edu/e-web/imagining/surveys/2014_survey/2025_Internet_Impact_anon.xhtml - all anonymous responses that provide value (beyond answers such as "I have no idea" or "Same" or "Different") Best regards, Janna -- Janna Quitney Anderson Director, Imagining the Internet Center www.imaginingtheinternet.org Associate Professor School of Communications Elon University andersj at elon.edu (336) 278-5733 (o) Twitter: @JannaQ https://twitter.com/JANNAQ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jannaanderson Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/janna.anderson _______________________________________________ discuss mailing list discuss at 1net.org http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss -- *Carolina Rossini* *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* Open Technology Institute *New America Foundation* // http://carolinarossini.net/ + 1 6176979389 *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* skype: carolrossini @carolinarossini -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From deborah at accessnow.org Wed Mar 12 19:28:46 2014 From: deborah at accessnow.org (Deborah Brown) Date: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 19:28:46 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Fwd: Civil society input - call for contributions - General Assembly Resolution 67/167 "The right to privacy in the digital age" In-Reply-To: <1116688586741.1103337725730.4115.0.141247JL.1002@scheduler.constantcontact.com> References: <1116688586741.1103337725730.4115.0.141247JL.1002@scheduler.constantcontact.com> Message-ID: Hi all, Apologies for cross-posting, but I don't think this call for input into OHCHR's report on the right to privacy in the digital age has been circulated here. Is anyone thinking of/interested in preparing a submission? Note the deadline is 1 April. All the best, Deborah ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: OHCHR Civil Society Section Date: Fri, Feb 28, 2014 at 12:48 PM Subject: Civil society input - call for contributions - General Assembly Resolution 67/167 "The right to privacy in the digital age" To: deborah at accessnow.org *中文 *** Español *** Français *** العربية *** Pусский* For an unofficial translation of this message into another language you may try: http://translate.google.com/ Civil Society Section Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Dear civil society actors, We are pleased to forward this call for contributions in connection with the General Assembly Resolution 67/167 "The right to privacy in a digital age". OHCHR on Facebook OHCHR on Twitter OHCHR on YouTube *中文 *** Español *** Français *** العربية *** Pусский * For an unofficial translation of this message into another language you may try: http://translate.google.com/ Best regards, Civil Society Section Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Tel. +41 (0) 22 - 917 - 9656 Visit our website Click hereto join our mailing list. This email was sent to deborah at accessnow.org by civilsociety at ohchr.org | Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy . OHCHR Civil Society Section | UNOG-OHCHR | Geneva | 1211 | Switzerland -- Deborah Brown Senior Policy Analyst Access | accessnow.org rightscon.org @deblebrown PGP 0x5EB4727D -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From rishab.bailey at gmail.com Thu Mar 13 06:16:04 2014 From: rishab.bailey at gmail.com (Rishab Bailey) Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 15:46:04 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] Society for Knowledge Commons contributions to NetMundial, 2014 Message-ID: Dear All, The Society for Knowledge Commons (India and Brasil), in addition to endorsing / signing on to the Just Net coalition documents (available at http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/towards-a-just-and-equitable-internet-for-all/110and http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/democratising-global-governance-of-the-internet/164) and a Brasilian civil society proposal (available at http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/submission-on-internet-governance-principles-by-the-articulation-of-brazilian-civil-society-organizations/276), has submitted two documents to the NetMundial conference: (i) Towards Reform of Global Internet Governance (available at http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/towards-reform-of-global-internet-governance/240), and (ii) Towards Reform of Global Internet Technical Framework (available at http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/towards-reform-of-global-internet-technical-framework/270 ). The documents are also attached to this mail. Regards, Rishab -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: KC - Principles for IG and Roadmap.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 37649 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: KC - Technical Roadmap.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 29964 bytes Desc: not available URL: From wjdrake at gmail.com Thu Mar 13 14:06:37 2014 From: wjdrake at gmail.com (William Drake) Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 19:06:37 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Updates: ICANN and Global Internet Governance: The Road to Sao Paulo, and Beyond, Singapore 21 March 2014 In-Reply-To: <6604A0E2-8DA3-4434-B62C-50D42383A1D8@gmail.com> References: <6604A0E2-8DA3-4434-B62C-50D42383A1D8@gmail.com> Message-ID: Hi > If interested, please see the below. Apologies if you receive this from more than one mail list. We are looking forward to the conference next Friday in Singapore. I just wanted to pass along a few brief updates: There have been several additions to the panelists since I sent out the notice below two weeks ago, with one more pending and soon to be resolved, http://www.ncuc.org/singapore2014/programme/ The program page above now has a link under each panel to NETmundial and other contribution of relevance. If one follows those links, you go to a page of background materials, some which are particularly relevant for the particular panels and could be drawn on in their respective conversations. There are still some free seats in the large room ICANN reserved, so if you have any colleagues who will be coming early to Singapore and could be interested, please do direct them to the the conference page and registration page. Best, Bill On Feb 26, 2014, at 3:41 AM, William Drake wrote: > Hello, > > If interested, please see the below. Apologies if you receive this from more than one mail list. > > ------ > > "ICANN and Global Internet Governance: The Road to São Paulo, and Beyond" > > A conference to be held on Friday 21 March 2014 at the ICANN 49 meeting venue, the Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore, in the Olivia Room, from 10:00 to 18:00. > > Organized by the NonCommercial Users Constituency (NCUC) of the Generic Names Supporting Organization, with the generous support of ICANN. > > Logistical information, conference registration (important!) and the program are now online at http://www.ncuc.org/singapore2014/ > > We very much want this to be an inclusive cross-community dialogue, so we hope people will consider attending, either in person or remotely, and please do share this with potentially interested colleagues. We are compiling some background materials related to the session topics for addition to the web site, and personal/organizational written inputs would be very much welcome. > > > Overview of the meeting > > 10:00-10:15 Welcome and Overview > 10:15-10:45 Update on the Sao Paulo Meeting > 10:45-12:00 Panel 1 - Setting the Scene: Overview of Recent Agenda-Setting Initiatives > 12:00-13:00 Lunch > 13:00-14:15 Panel 2 - Internet Governance Principles > 14:15-15:45 Panel 3 - Roadmap for Ecosystem Evolution: Globalization > 15:45-16:00 Coffee break > 16:00-17:30 Panel 4 - Roadmap for Ecosystem Evolution: Institutional Innovation > 17:15-17:45 Keynote Assessment by Larry Strickling, > Asst. Secretary of Commerce, Government of the United States > 17:45-18:00 Concluding Observations > 18:00-19:30 Reception with Fadi Chehadé, CEO of ICANN > > > > Thanks, > > Bill > > > *********************************************** > William J. Drake > International Fellow & Lecturer > Media Change & Innovation Division, IPMZ > University of Zurich, Switzerland > Chair, Noncommercial Users Constituency, > ICANN, www.ncuc.org > william.drake at uzh.ch (direct), wjdrake at gmail.com (lists), > www.williamdrake.org > *********************************************** > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From parminder at itforchange.net Fri Mar 14 09:06:38 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 18:36:38 +0530 Subject: Fwd: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <5322F7E5.4070308@itforchange.net> References: <5322F7E5.4070308@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <5322FEDE.2060402@itforchange.net> Dear Stephanie, I read carefully your emails about multistakeholder participation in policy making. I agree with everything you say. Can it then be taken that we agree on multistakeholder participation in policy making? (More on agreement and different versions of multistakeholderism or MSism later.) In fact, your points on the need for non governmental 'stakeholders' to have new formal venues of participation which cannot easily be influenced or controlled by policy makers is most important. Last year, I wrote a blog where I called IGF kind of structures as representing version 3 of democracy, where new formal venues of participation are instituted that are not ad hoc, and do not depend on the sweet will of policy makers... However, this is not what many proponents of MSism stop at. (See for instance Avri's submissions to NetMundial process, and several others.)They specifically want equal role for all stakeholders – for instance, equal role for Google and the government of Brazil – in 'making actual public policy decisions'. So, having agreed with you on your formulations, may I ask you whether you agree to such equality of all stakeholders – in terms, sorry, but need to repeat for the sake of specificity, of 'making actual public policy decisions'. Do you think that this is a minor point, that need not be raised so strongly. Is the proposition of 'equality of all stakeholders' expressed in this fashion not a threat to democracy? Please see IT for Change's submission to NetMundial titled - 'Is certain kind of multistakeholderism a post-democratic ideology? Need to save NetMundial outcome documents from crossing some sacred democratic lines '. I am engaging with you on this matter especially because you are in the High Level Committee for the Brazil meeting. Do expect 'equality of all stakeholders' meme to become a key sticking point as real negotiations begin on outcome documents for Brazil meeting. Regards parminder On Sunday 09 March 2014 03:05 AM, Stephanie Perrin wrote: > If I may jump in and respond, having been a civil servant for 30 years...we are not stupid. One does need inside information to fully understand the impact of regulation. One of the bigger problems in government these days is complexity, coupled with the speed of change. Coming up with, lets say, (in order to get away from pharma for a moment) agricultural regulations, you need to consult industry, farmers, consumers, shippers, anti-poverty activists, environmental experts, etc. You need to understand world markets and world impacts. You do not, as public servants, have this knowledge fall down on scrolls from heaven. Impact assessment of your proposed regulation has to come from the stakeholders, hopefully by talking to them or running public calls for comment. Now here is where multi-stakeholderism has merit over multilateralism. In true, bottom-up multistakeholderism, if you want to contribute, you can. In multilateral or normal government regulation mak > ing, the involvement of all stakeholders can vary enormously, from fully transparent democratic calls for involvement, to nothing. Some countries or even policy areas within government consult only with industry associations, which may favour big players. Consumer and human rights advocates may or may not be consulted, and if they are they are sometimes hand picked. This is documented in political science literature. My point is that in good multi-stakeholder practice, the governing or rule-making party has less control of the outcome, because participation is more democratic. There will always be the issue of who has the time, money, and training to provide input, to go to the meetings, etc., but the process is harder for big players to manipulate and hopefully is more fair and equitable. When you multiply that over the many countries that have a stake in Internet governance (i.e. all of them) then it seems to me very clear that multi-stakeholderism, however flawed, stands to > be a more open and inclusive process. I would hope that civil society would see fit to support it and make it better. > Stephanie Perrin > PS if I may, as a newcomer to this list....life is complicated, there are indeed mostly grey areas. It would be great if we could come up with positive proposals for how to make these systems work better, rather than argue. I would repeat my proposal that doing broad-based impact assessment on all Internet governance decisions, with comment periods, might help mitigate some of the dissatisfaction with results, and improve learning. > On 2014-03-08, at 3:57 PM, Jean-Christophe NOTHIAS I The Global Journal wrote: > >> Jeanette, >> >> The difficulty lies on those grey zones you are enjoying, >> >> Is your experience of civil servants - unable to prepare legislation without drawing on external expertise - large enough for coming to conclusion that without lobbyists, and big corps, civil servants are not able to accomplish their task? Have you got any documentation on this? Or is this something that is very well known, but undocumented for some reasons? And, if any civil servants on the list, do you agree with that understanding of civil servants poor capacities? Maybe we should ask them outside of these governance and Best bits listing? >> >> On top of civil servants, you add that civil society has no capacity to counterbalance big corps... >> >> At the end of the day, who has true capacity in your multistakeholder prism? >> No civil servants, no civil society... >> So who's able? >> Corporate servants, corporate society.. >> >> With such a vision, I doubt you believe in multistakeholderism: why do you bother with civil servants and civil society? >> >> All of that sounds really like non sense. But maybe I need to join a multistakholder meeting, so to understand more of the real life. >> >> Jeanette, >> >> All of this is really going insane. >> >> Michael is so right >> >> JC >> >> >> Le 8 mars 2014 à 21:09, Jeanette Hofmann a écrit : >> >>> I don't know how you can read this out of my comment. >>> >>> In my experience, parliaments and ministries are unable prepare legislation without drawing on external expertise. It is an illusion to think that legislation could take place as an autonomous process without external influence. >>> There is also nothing dubious about lobbying as such. It has been around since parliaments have lobbies and most lobbyists are officially accredited with parliaments. What is problematic is that state officials often acquire the problem perceptions and mindsets of the industies they regulate. >>> >>> Another problem I see is that civil society won't have the capacity to intervene as much as it should to counter-balance the impact of commercial lobbying. >>> >>> jeanette >>> >>> Am 08.03.14 15:16, schrieb michael gurstein: >>>> So it is your position that what up to this point has been ethically dubious and in some cases downright illegal i.e. the subverting (errr.. "shaping") of public policy processes to support private interests, not only legal but compulsory? >>>> >>>> M >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From:bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net [mailto:bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net] On Behalf Of Jeanette Hofmann >>>> Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2014 3:44 AM >>>> To:governance at lists.igcaucus.org;bestbits at lists.bestbits.net >>>> Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>> Conversely, since there is considerable interest here in >>>>> multistakeholder policy making, even at national levels, would you >>>>> support pharma companies, for instance, sitting in bodies making - >>>>> actually making - health and drug policies, and big publishers in >>>>> education policy making, and so on... >>>> The problem is that the pharmaceutical companies have been doing this for decades - but behind closed doors. National legislation is not done without consulting with industries affected. Sometimes, particularly on the EU level, they even write the draft legislation. Multistakeholder offers the chance to broaden the consulation process and bring this process in the open daylight so that everybody can see what has been going on in secret. >>>> >>>> jeanette >>>> >>>> >>>>> If not, what is the essential difference, and who decides the 'difference'? >>>>> >>>>> Of course state's extra-ordinary interest to control the Internet may >>>>> be discussed here, but the state has the same kind of desire to >>>>> control, for instance, the education system. Does it give enough basis >>>>> for multistakeholder policy making in the education at the national level? >>>>> Be fore-warned, that is the model of policy making that we are >>>>> embracing here. >>>>> >>>>> parminder >>>>> >>>>>> Apart from the difference between public policies and technical >>>>>> decisions, is also the difference between original public policy >>>>>> authority and delegated authority. These are concepts and ideas that >>>>>> are rather well worked out in the texts of political science and >>>>>> public administration. >>>>>> >>>>>> A public policy function is sovereign in the sense of not being >>>>>> subject to a higher authority (judicial review being a different >>>>>> matter) and is accompanied with legitimate coercive power for >>>>>> enforcement. Such power only lies with elected representatives in >>>>>> democracies. It cannot, for instance, be exercised by business >>>>>> representatives . >>>>>> >>>>>> (At the global level, such sovereignty is exercised in a complex >>>>>> manner whereby national legislatures often need to ratify >>>>>> international treaties, and while many of such treaties carry >>>>>> enforcement elements, the manner of their national application remain >>>>>> in a somewhat complex interplay with national political systems. But >>>>>> this system of global public policies still works.) >>>>>> >>>>>> As such CGI.Br does not and cannot consitutionally undertake public >>>>>> policy function. Happy to hear counter-arguments. >>>>>> >>>>>> There is a huge problem with deforming the clear political >>>>>> definitions regarding public policy etc and then find entry points >>>>>> for big business to exercise formal political power..... Once such a >>>>>> role is established on some areas, then this power migrates upwards >>>>>> to cover all areas of our social and political existence. This is >>>>>> what is happening now. >>>>>> >>>>>> Do note that the currently fashionable meme of 'equal footing' in >>>>>> public policy functions does not ever circumscribe the areas where >>>>>> big business can thus exercise formal political power, and where it >>>>>> cannot. The multistakeholder policy making models, for instance the >>>>>> one offered by Jeremy, applies to all areas of Internet policies at >>>>>> the global level. Soon, it will be areas of policy in any sector at >>>>>> the global level. Such efforts are of course already afoot. And then >>>>>> gradually this models is brought to the national levels. >>>>>> >>>>>> I remain worried how few here see and fear the headlong plunge into a >>>>>> neoliberal post-democratic system that we may be taking, and in fact >>>>>> contributing so strongly to... >>>>>> >>>>>> parminder >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> Membership of CGI.br is of course not informal - it is quite formal, >>>>>>> but it is multi-stakeholder. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Government has more positions which is something I have heard some >>>>>>> Brazilian civil society express concern about. But it does mean that >>>>>>> different parts of government is represented which his important. >>>>>>> Business is represented through industry bodies, and so on. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> It is an example of how governance processes can change, and how >>>>>>> public policy making can be more inclusive and multi-stakeholder and >>>>>>> go beyond the traditional 'government proposes policy - with or >>>>>>> without public consulation, follwed by legislature reviewing and >>>>>>> approving/rejecting'. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> From a CS perspective I think we need to lobby for traditional >>>>>>> models to be more inclusive, for public consultation to be >>>>>>> introduced where it does not exist, and to be improved where it >>>>>>> does. But we should also propose and promote new models where >>>>>>> policy-making is actually done in an inclusive MS space. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Anriette >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 06/03/2014 14:02, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil society >>>>>>>> statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold that >>>>>>>> non-gov participants(which includes business)should be on the same >>>>>>>> footing as gov participants in terms of actually /*making public >>>>>>>> *//*policies*//*. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> */Fine. There is no room for confusion now. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy >>>>>>>> making, which arent there in the mentioned statement, or its >>>>>>>> accompanying statements. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. And >>>>>>>> Joy - or is it someone else from APC - is on the steering committee >>>>>>>> on BB... I hope such mis-statements are avoided, and when pointed >>>>>>>> out withdrawn. Thanks. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> /* >>>>>>>> */ >>>>>>>> On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: >>>>>>>>> As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter the >>>>>>>>> full quote in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>>>>> internet governance. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder >>>>>>>>> processes are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and >>>>>>>>> APC has been on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder >>>>>>>>> processes: these are simply one form of democratic participation. >>>>>>>>> To be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other >>>>>>>>> documents and says, taken together, certain principles relevant to >>>>>>>>> internet governance can be deduced and should be taken forward >>>>>>>>> into NetMundial, including human rights. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 >>>>>>>>> recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing the >>>>>>>>> Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: >>>>>>>>> a) governments alone make public policy including some which is >>>>>>>>> relevant to internet governance >>>>>>>>> b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other when >>>>>>>>> doing so; and >>>>>>>>> c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and >>>>>>>>> therefore should not be on an equal footing with governments this >>>>>>>>> role (though they can of course be involved/consulted) . >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines that >>>>>>>>> a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public policy >>>>>>>>> which is relevant to internet governance >>>>>>>>> b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing or >>>>>>>>> parity with each other when doing so; >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission >>>>>>>>> which simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles >>>>>>>>> NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder >>>>>>>>> participation and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>>>> On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: >>>>>>>>>> Dear all >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and >>>>>>>>>> the use of 'multilateral'. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> The full text in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>>>>>> internet governance." >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its >>>>>>>>>> dictionary sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties >>>>>>>>>> and multiple countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic >>>>>>>>>> defines how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of >>>>>>>>>> governments, the private sector, civil society and international >>>>>>>>>> organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent >>>>>>>>>> role in relation to international internet governance." >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the >>>>>>>>>> term multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as >>>>>>>>>> meaning "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest >>>>>>>>>> that. But we certainly did mean that governments should be >>>>>>>>>> involved, and that no one government should dominate - but in the >>>>>>>>>> context of the involvement of other stakeholders too. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Best >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Anriette >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>>>>>>>>>>>> > wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's >>>>>>>>>>>>>> behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with >>>>>>>>>>>>>> respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies >>>>>>>>>>>>>> that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at >>>>>>>>>>>>>> all points in the decision-making process." Well of course. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Two hoots to democracy! >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>>>>>>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... >>>>>>>>>>>>>> BUT... >>>>>>>>>>>>>> /* >>>>>>>>>>>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>>>>>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is different >>>>>>>>>>>>>> from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all >>>>>>>>>>>>>> stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and >>>>>>>>>>>>>> role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Please address this point specifically. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of >>>>>>>>>>>>> this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can >>>>>>>>>>>>> read for yourself:https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At >>>>>>>>>>>>> various times it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it >>>>>>>>>>>>> became "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, >>>>>>>>>>>>> to accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about >>>>>>>>>>>>> how equal the stakeholder roles should be. >>>>>>>>>>>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and >>>>>>>>>>>> non-democracy. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in >>>>>>>>>>>> /*decision making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and >>>>>>>>>>>> non gov actors.... >>>>>>>>>>> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that >>>>>>>>>>> this CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not >>>>>>>>>>> multistakeholder governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to >>>>>>>>>>> multilateral democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet >>>>>>>>>>> governanceshould be multilateral and democratic. " >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this >>>>>>>>>>> present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - >>>>>>>>>>> does not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the >>>>>>>>>>> principle inspirations. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also >>>>>>>>>>> quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, >>>>>>>>>>> CoE principles, and G 8 principles.... >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >>>>>>>>>>> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term >>>>>>>>>>> either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much >>>>>>>>>>> subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil >>>>>>>>>>> society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in >>>>>>>>>>> this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance >>>>>>>>>>> characteristics" you could think only of " openness, >>>>>>>>>>> transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable >>>>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation */" (emphasis added) >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the >>>>>>>>>>> word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur >>>>>>>>>>> to someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the >>>>>>>>>>> group.... Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for >>>>>>>>>>> me to stay away from this doc. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not >>>>>>>>>>> to get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the >>>>>>>>>>> thin end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave >>>>>>>>>>> new post democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream >>>>>>>>>>> of.... It is a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed >>>>>>>>>>> to be the Trojan Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib >>>>>>>>>>> order. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like >>>>>>>>>>> equitable multistakeholder participation (further explained in >>>>>>>>>>> the emerging contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the >>>>>>>>>>> survey) are getting introduced as basis of our governance. And >>>>>>>>>>> see how exactly it matches what some of us predicted is the >>>>>>>>>>> prime objective at present of the US supported status quoists to >>>>>>>>>>> get into the text of the outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC >>>>>>>>>>>> got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most >>>>>>>>>>>> important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on >>>>>>>>>>>> this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is >>>>>>>>>>>> the key point, and not skirt it... >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >>>>>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of >>>>>>>>>>>> the people, possess public authority including internet-related >>>>>>>>>>>> public policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for >>>>>>>>>>>> legitimacy and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to >>>>>>>>>>>> respect and protect human rights, ensure that the rule of law >>>>>>>>>>>> is respected and that relevant national legislation complies >>>>>>>>>>>> with their obligations under international law. Moreover, they >>>>>>>>>>>> need to ensure that the appropriate basic conditions both in >>>>>>>>>>>> terms of cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. >>>>>>>>>>>> Civil society serves, and should continue to do so, as a >>>>>>>>>>>> facilitator and notably as a source of empowerment and >>>>>>>>>>>> credibility, especially at community level. The private sector >>>>>>>>>>>> and particularly the technical community significantly >>>>>>>>>>>> influence and encourage the development, distribution and >>>>>>>>>>>> accessibility of the internet, and should continue to do so. In >>>>>>>>>>>> order to fully live up to the potentials for economic growth, >>>>>>>>>>>> innovation, freedom of expression, access to information and >>>>>>>>>>>> ideas and democratic participation in a knowledge society, all >>>>>>>>>>>> stakeholders involved need to work together." >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT >>>>>>>>>>>>> policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR >>>>>>>>>>>>> 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! >>>>>>>>>>>>> '{print $3}' >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >>>>>>>>>>>>> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For >>>>>>>>>>>>> instructions, seehttp://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>>>>>>> anrietteesterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, >>>>>>>>>> association for progressive communicationswww.apc.org po box >>>>>>>>>> 29755, melville 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>>>>> -- >>>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>>>> anrietteesterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, association >>>>>>> for progressive communicationswww.apc.org po box 29755, melville >>>>>>> 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>> ____________________________________________________________ >>> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >>> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >>> To be removed from the list, visit: >>> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >>> >>> For all other list information and functions, see: >>> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >>> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >>> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >>> >>> Translate this email:http://translate.google.com/translate_t >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> To be removed from the list, visit: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >> >> For all other list information and functions, see: >> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >> >> Translate this email:http://translate.google.com/translate_t -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mars.techno.cat at gmail.com Fri Mar 14 10:58:36 2014 From: mars.techno.cat at gmail.com (Techno CAT) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 09:58:36 -0500 Subject: [bestbits] The current Internet is constructed like a Tin-Can and Kite-String Phone System. Message-ID: The Internet is in serious trouble. The current Internet is constructed like a Tin-Can and Kite-String Phone System. Bob connects his TreeHouse to Carol's Cave....Carol connects her Cave to Alice's Hut. ...All of Bob's PACKETS to ALICE must flow thru Carol. Ted comes along, with big bucks; Adds Strings from his MountainTop to Bob, Carol AND Alice. Alice can now send some PACKETS to Bob via Carol and some via Ted. Ted wants to dominate the market; he uses BGP to inform Alice that Bob's packets should be sent to him....Bob does not know... Carol decides to enter the "Security Business"; she records all of the packets and sells copies to anyone who will pay. Governments become very interested in Carol's services. Carol portrays herself as a "Government Agent" at trade shows. Ted exposes Carol as a "bad actor" and stops sending packets TO Carol but continues to route anything FROM Carol. Bob is happy, his TreeHouse is always connected and he chooses to ignore the behaviors of Ted and Carol. Alice is happy, her Hut sells connections to "visitors" who ALL APPEAR to be Alice. Alice does not care, she is making money. Visitors to Alice's Hut eventually decide they want their own connections. Bob is not interested. Carol is too busy. Ted starts taking on all visitors and they are lead to believe Ted is a "Telephone Company". Ted eventually CASHES OUT to a Traditional Telephone Company (TTC). The TTC has a long history of ethical practices and government regulation. Carol convinces the TTC that they MUST start sending her ALL traffic, which Ted previously decided NOT TO SEND. Carol NOW portrays herself as a "Government Agent" AND a TTC Partner at trade shows. Carol, who has no high-school education, buys herself a PhD from a University in Japan and also fashions herself as an "Academic". Bob decides he does not like the TTC. He starts talking to Alice about his concerns. Carol eavesdrops on ALL of the conversations. Bob starts selling connections to people around his TreeHouse who mostly want to talk to each other. Ted decides to RE-ENTER the business. Ted infiltrates Bob's friendly little community. Ted uses BGP to BLACK-HOLE people he does not like. Bob's maintenance costs go up as he tries to figure out WHO TED IS and WHERE TED is Attacking NEXT....and WHY ? Ted is a RICH JERK - a Bully. The Government enters the picture and passes laws that require Bob, Carol and Alice to allow them to COPY all packets. Carol is not happy because she can no longer "sell" what she is now required to give away free. The Government appoints the TTC to be in charge of all network monitoring. Bob tells everyone that his TreeHouse is PRIVATE and all of the community around his TreeHouse is PRIVATE. Despite Bob's PUBLIC POSTURING - Bob is PAID to quietly copy all packets and hand them to the Government. - Bob is uneasy.. but gives in... Carol CONTINUES to portray herself as a "Government Agent" at trade shows. EVERYONE knows that is not true. They ignore her. Carol starts using BGP to BLACK-HOLE traffic SHE DECIDES is not good. Carol uses BGP to convice people she is a BIG PLAYER. Carol flashes her PhD and BGP BLACK-HOLE Vigilante "Business" around the industry - claiming to be a "Security Expert". Ted SECRETLY contracts with the TTC to handle all of their Government Monitoring tasks. Ted and Alice are very happy. Ted uses his access to the TTC and Government records to FRAME people he and Alice do not like. Ted, Alice and Carol gang up and start telling everyone that Bob is a "Bad Actor" because he encourages (sells) PRIVATE Networks. ...Bob is driven out of the business...he lives in his TreeHouse - Not connected to anyone - He designs new secure networks not AVAILABLE to TTC Bob tells everyone NOT TO TELL CAROL ANYTHING...Alice wishes she was not involved...Alice tells her visitors to go to the TTC for service... ...on and on it goes...people around the edge - just want a NetWork vs a NotWork... Multi-Stake-Holder does NOT WORK...Unsavory Psychos and Jack-Booted THUGS run YOUR Internet...Governments meddle...the TTC shrugs... ...The Intelligent People have WALKED AWAY....a LONG WAY AWAY...at least they NOW know who to avoid... The Internet is in serious trouble. The current Internet is constructed like a Tin-Can and Kite-String Phone System.... -- 3DNB - Real Banking for Your VIRTUAL Worlds http://3DNB.COM Login: ZOOM Password: BOX @Techno_CAT_r http://Twitter.com/Techno_CAT_r From parminder at itforchange.net Fri Mar 14 12:11:05 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 21:41:05 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <531DD7E1.8040508@cafonso.ca> References: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net> <531DD7E1.8040508@cafonso.ca> Message-ID: <53232A19.30805@itforchange.net> On Monday 10 March 2014 08:48 PM, Carlos A. Afonso wrote: > I think there is a basic misunderstanding related to the role of > private, free, non-mandatory services versus, for example, the required, > paid for, connectivity services we need to be on the Internet. Hi Carlos, We may differ on issues and principles here, but I assure you that there is no misunderstanding. Our position is based on considerable thinking. What is entirely left to the private sector, what gets provided as a public or social good, and what gets closely regulated even though provided privately are decisions that societies taken on the basis of many considerations. What was earlier a private good can become a public good as times change. Prior to the industrial revolution, education was considered a rather private good - it was either a matter of some very exclusive privilege of the highest classes, or consisted of skills transferred within occupational groups like guilds. With the industrial revolution, many changes took place in social structures, in structure of family, work force and so on.... Soon later, education begun to see as seen as a kind of public good, and then as a human right in the UN Declaration of Human Rights... Sorry for the detour but, similar basic changes are taking place vis a vis the ongoing information/Internet revolution. One important element of this transformation are some new kinds of socio-technical platforms that mediated a huge swathe of social activities, which could span a whole sector - like global knowledge organising, instant media, general social networking, and so on. Such platforms have the character of natural monopolies - a fact that is proven. All this present a very new situation, and accordingly an assessment has to be made in public interest of the need and degree of regulation of such platforms. Also, whether some of these services also need to be provided as public goods, or at least proactive public support (including with funds) given for building local and/ or non-profit alternatives. But the least that can certainly be said is that a completely unregulated commercial offering of these platforms, as huge global monopolies, and largely escaping regulation because of their global nature, coupled with extra-ordinary economic (and increasingly, political) might, is not not a sustainable situation. We can accept it now and take remedial measures, or do it after considerable social damage is done. (In fact, as you say, since these services are free, they do not even constitute a commercial service agreement since no payment is made for them. Whereby we can also say that there can be no consumer rights vis a vis these services. Would you agree to such a proposition? ) All of which simply points to the fact that we are facing very new and unique situation in an increasingly Internet-mediated world. We may have to visit our policy and regulatory paradigms anew, and we should show the political openness to do so. Now, we may still disagree on which layers of the Internet requirer regulation and which not, but I just wanted to clarify that our position is well thought out and not a result as a mis- understanding. regards parminder > > Services such as Google, Facebook, Twitter etc, are opt-in, not required > for the user to be on the Internet. And they are free to use, regardless > of what they do or don't with your visit to them. You visit at your own > risk and will. > > Our broadband or mobile connection is paid, required if we wish to be on > the Internet, and subject to a provider-user contract regarding which we > can demand consumer and other rights. > > I do not see how we can just tell Google to do what Guru requests. One > can just *not* use Google and still be on the Internet. Or can use just > a few components with due care regarding personal privacy configurations > if one wishes. Same with any other non-mandatory, free, opt-in service. > > IMHO > > --c.a. > > On 03/10/2014 07:26 AM, Guru गुरु wrote: >> Dear all, >> >> Not clear, how in Multistakeholderism, where the private sector has an >> equal footing in public policy making, we will get Google to agree that >> its search algorithm, as the key factor organising the worlds >> information/knowledge for all of us, needs to be public knowledge, not a >> commercial secret. The need for it to be public knowledge stems from >> privacy/surveillance concerns, because such fundamental knowledge ought >> to be available as 'cultural commons' that others can >> take/re-use/revise, fostering competition etc. >> >> regards, >> Guru >> >> Google faces Rs 30,500-cr fine in India >> New Delhi, PTI: March 9, 2014 >> >> Google can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion if it is found to >> have violated competition norms of the country. Google, which is facing >> anti-trust investigation in India by fair trade watchdog Competition >> Commission of India (CCI), can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion >> (Rs 30,500 crore) if it is found to have violated competition norms of >> the country. >> >> Google said it is “extending full cooperation” to the CCI in its >> investigation. The conclusion of a two-year review by the US antitrust >> watchdog has concluded that the company's services were good for >> competition, it added. The case has been before the CCI for over two >> years now, and it relates to allegations that Google is abusing its >> dominant position. Under competition regulations, an entity found >> violating the norms could be slapped with penalty of up to 10 per cent >> of its three-year annual average turnover. In the case of Google, its >> annual revenues in the last three years amounts to a staggering $49.3 >> billion (Rs 3.01 lakh crore), and the maximum penalty can be up to >> nearly $5 billion. >> >> When asked about the ongoing probe and the potential penalty, a Google >> spokesperson said: “We are extending full co-operation to the >> Competition Commission of India in their investigation.” The emailed >> statement added: “We're pleased that the conclusion of the Federal Trade >> Commission's two-year review was that Google's services are good for >> users and good for competition.” >> >> A complaint filed with the CCI cannot be withdrawn. The complaint >> against Google, also one of the world's most valued company, was first >> filed by advocacy group CUTS International way back in late 2011. Later. >> Matrimonial website matrimony.com Private Ltd also filed a complaint. >> Last year, CCI chairman Ashok Chawla had said the complaint was that the >> Google search engine favours platforms it wants to support. >> >> “That is, when you click on Google under a certain category, you will >> get the platforms where there is a tendency to put them in a certain >> order which may not be the fair and non-discriminatory. So, *what is the >> software and what is the algorithmic search, (that is) what the >> investigation team is looking at,” *Chawla had said. >> >> source - >> http://www.deccanherald.com/content/390977/google-faces-rs-30500-cr.html From avri at acm.org Fri Mar 14 13:08:59 2014 From: avri at acm.org (Avri Doria) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 13:08:59 -0400 Subject: Fwd: Re: [] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <5322FEDE.2060402@itforchange.net> References: <5322F7E5.4070308@itforchange.net> <5322FEDE.2060402@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <532337AB.20703@acm.org> On 14-Mar-14 09:06, parminder wrote: > However, this is not what many proponents of MSism stop at. (See for > instance Avri's submissions to NetMundial process, and several > others.)They specifically want equal role for all stakeholders – for > instance, equal role for Google and the government of Brazil – in > 'making actual public policy decisions'. So, having agreed with you on > your formulations, may I ask you whether you agree to such equality of > all stakeholders – in terms, sorry, but need to repeat for the sake of > specificity, of 'making actual public policy decisions'. With all due respect, you omit one consideration that is central to my submitted discussion on the equality of stakeholders, whether government or non-government "When one starts to consider the responsibilities of each of these roles one finds that the responsibilities also vary over issues, time and are subject to the phase of a process." http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/discussion-of-principles-related-to-stakeholder-roles-and-responsibilities/201 So yes, stakeholders, qua being stakeholders, are equal in my analysis. But their roles vary according to issue, phase of discussion, process and many other features. Sometimes one stakeholder group holds the primary deciding responsibility and sometimes others do. But all always have an equal right to be heard as part of the process. I further suggest in my submissions that: " As we move forward, we need to set aside time and effort to better understand and recognize the diversity and complexity of roles and responsibilities in Internet governance." thanks avri From parminder at itforchange.net Fri Mar 14 13:45:39 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 23:15:39 +0530 Subject: Fwd: Re: [] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <532337AB.20703@acm.org> References: <5322F7E5.4070308@itforchange.net> <5322FEDE.2060402@itforchange.net> <532337AB.20703@acm.org> Message-ID: <53234043.7090404@itforchange.net> On Friday 14 March 2014 10:38 PM, Avri Doria wrote: > > > On 14-Mar-14 09:06, parminder wrote: >> However, this is not what many proponents of MSism stop at. (See for >> instance Avri's submissions to NetMundial process, and several >> others.)They specifically want equal role for all stakeholders – for >> instance, equal role for Google and the government of Brazil – in >> 'making actual public policy decisions'. So, having agreed with you on >> your formulations, may I ask you whether you agree to such equality of >> all stakeholders – in terms, sorry, but need to repeat for the sake of >> specificity, of 'making actual public policy decisions'. > > With all due respect, you omit one consideration that is central to my > submitted discussion on the equality of stakeholders, whether > government or non-government > > "When one starts to consider the responsibilities of each of these > roles one finds that the responsibilities also vary over issues, time > and are subject to the phase of a process." > > http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/discussion-of-principles-related-to-stakeholder-roles-and-responsibilities/201 > > > So yes, stakeholders, qua being stakeholders, are equal in my > analysis. But their roles vary according to issue, phase of > discussion, process and many other features. Sometimes one stakeholder > group holds the primary deciding responsibility and sometimes others do. In which case my question is specific, and deals with a particular 'issue' and a particular 'phase of discussion/ process'... The concerned issue or matter is 'public policy' and the phase is 'actual decision making'. Other than the fact that every term and meaning can forever be contested and argued about, I believe that both 'public policy' and 'decision making' have rather clear meaning in political space. And so, my original question was, and remains, "do you think that every stakeholder has an equal role in public policy related decision making"? > But all always have an equal right to be heard as part of the process. All people - if you want to call the stakeholders, well, fine - always have an equal right to be heard, there is no doubt about it. It is the very basic principle of justice. Where is the question. But right to be heard is not the same as right to make public policy decision nor of vetoing them - which is at the crux of many institutional processes for global Internet governance that have been submitted to the NetMundial process. (BTW, Never could understand why not just say 'all people' rather than 'all stakeholders', because stake has obviously to be self defined, and the act of showing desire to speak and participate is a self-statement of stake, and so we can as well say all people everywhere rather than stakeholders have a right - which becomes operational only if they exercise it, but whatever....) > > I further suggest in my submissions that: > > " As we move forward, we need to set aside time and effort to better > understand and recognize the diversity and complexity of roles and > responsibilities in Internet governance." There is a political vacuum right now, which is being filled by dominant economic and political forces to shape the Internet as per their interests. Soon it will be too late as the socio-technical architecture of the Internet is set, and along with it some key contours of society's power relationships. The luxury of infinite time to think and react is not available to those who find themselves, or their constituencies, holding the short end of the stick, which keeps getting shorter.. parminder > > thanks > > avri From lmcknigh at syr.edu Fri Mar 14 16:43:55 2014 From: lmcknigh at syr.edu (Lee W McKnight) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 20:43:55 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] RE: [governance] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <144c1692b78.27e9.4f968dcf8ecd56c9cb8acab6370fcfe0@hserus.net> References: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net> <531DD7E1.8040508@cafonso.ca> <53232A19.30805@itforchange.net>,<144c1692b78.27e9.4f968dcf8ecd56c9cb8acab6370fcfe0@hserus.net> Message-ID: Parminder, Suresh, friends, My (too lengthy) comments on the cross-thread discussion of (democratic) multi-stakeholder processes; and alternatives in the present/next phase of (global) Internet governance are offered here. My main point: all too often, we are leaving out of the discussion of global Internet public policy the contrast with the common practice - and most realistic alternative for detailed sector-specific regulation of global Internet public policy matters - which is industry self-regulation. The Milton/Brenden DNSA proposal could be seen as proposing to help the industry, and the world, by establishing a narrowly targetted process insulated from politics, and specifically removed from NTIA oversight. That could be a sign that the global Internet is growing up and doesn't need baby-sitting as it once did. So to be clear I have nothing against industry self-regulation where it is an effective alternative, including in global Internet governance arenas. I do not however wish to lose the default preference for truly multi-stakeholder processes wherever they might be established, since they are preferrable in principle. So yes 'Industry-led' ICANN could be seen as just another industry self-regulatory body. As direct democracy was tried and found wanting in the very early ICANN days for a global organization - cough Karl Auerbach as the fall guy starred in that show - it appears the best we can hope for is multistakeholder, including democratically elected governments. Since a classic democratic form involving electoral representation of all us Internet users and creators on a global scale is not -yet? - realistically on the table. Therefore, I argue that we live in the best of all possible worlds from a multi-stakeholder Internet governance view, and civil society should only consent to outcomes in Brazil and beyond that further support that model as - the best of all possible alternatives - in the present day and age. Seriously. What we want to ensure is that we multi-stakeholders do not lose the opportunity (to be fooled??) into helping keep the open global Internet up and operating. Since honestly the alternative is to leave it to industry, with government oversight,and the public just invited to leave comments and complaints. THEN the Internet stagnates and becomes just the global multinational tool many of us oppose. Since the realistic alternative is not global Internet public policy made by (democratic) governments in ascendance as you might prefer, but unfettered Industry (self-) regulation which can expose us all to - probably - worse outcomes and certainly less opportunities for 90% of us on this list to have a say. (Which is not to say the essentially industry self-regulatory/operating structure of DNSA is not preferrable to leaving NTIA in charge; but that is a discussion for another email.) Now to the academic/historical justification for those statements: The Internet "Corporation" might be conceived of as just a variation on sector-specific regulatory/governance approaches dating back to the midieval guilds - think Hanseatic League - and even earlier times in other cultures. Not that it was all bad; I understand the Hanseatic League's salt cod was the best. : ) Essentially, multi-stakeholder Internet governance processes are just a variation on that age-old regulatory theme, with greater transparency and openness to civil society one of its key advantages. Multi-stakeholder is not an alternative to democracy, it is a participatory democracy/civil society AND government(s) AND industry self-regulatory toolkit to dupe lots of volunteers to spend countless hours doing - the public good. Amongst those volunteers, there are of course many whose day job employers have substantial financial interests in the matters being regulated. Again, like any industry self-regulatory process, the fact that the folks in the room have various stakes in the game, is a feature, not a bug. That we all can participate as stakeholders is also a feature and not a bug. Yes of course global Internet public policy generally speaking would be - better done in the present era if for example the ITU, or UNCSTD, could more readily shake the historical shackles of a 19th and 20th century treaty organizations. But if it were easy to really open up the ITU it would have happened already, some of us have been working on it for 3 decades now. So, if true global IGO's just can't handle, and can't motivate the fools I mean the many many thousands of volunteers which their structures automatically disrespect and treat like midieval serfs who should not be in the room and should certainly not speak if not spoken to - that just won't do to motivate the folks participating in all kinds of global Internet governance processes that keeps the net up and growing. Therefore, the present preference for multi-stakeholder processes ideally should be endorsed by everyone as the #1 main outcome of Brazil. (Yeah some agreement on general principles and endorsement of the Internet Rights and Principles Charter as THE 'Magna' Carta' of our era would be nice; but most important really is an agreement on - processes - so in that Fadi got it right in framing the meeting.) I elaborate (even further) below. Industry self-regulatory practices continue in specific sectors; for example for obvious reasons - that's where the money/temptation to rip off customers and business partners is - regulating finance involves more regulators than just the 5 federal government regulators involved in oversight of the 'Volcker Rule' in the US. As an illustration, in the US financial industry, FINRA regulates broker-dealers. They follow certain best practices: "Comments will be posted online for all Regulatory Notices that seek comment on a proposal. Posting comments online will make it easier for the public to access and review submissions, and will improve the efficiency with which FINRA maintains, reviews and makes available the comments it receives. Generally, comments will be posted on the FINRA website as they are received." (see: http://www.finra.org/AboutFINRA/) FINRA is authorized by the US Congress but is an industry-organized non-profit. Financial brokers in other nations may be similarly policed by their peers. Obviously, FINRA did not prevent the global finanical melt-down of 2008; but then neither did the US or other government regulatory bodies. And following that meltdown, the US Congress passed new legislation, but again that did not obviate the need for FINRA. FINRA is far from perfect, as brokers or their clients may tell you over drinks; but it more or less works. Leaving to doctors, lawyers and universities the details of their professional (re-)accreditation is perhaps the most common of the industry/professional self-regulatory practices I am contrasting multi-stakeholder with. Of course there are procedures for patients to complain, and ripped-off investors, and parents and students, that is kind of the point. But because of the stakes - money and right to practice - none of these procedures are exactly welcoming to new participants offering to help. For Internet governance, if you want to try to crack the inter-networking code(s), noone's stopping you - in fact IETF folks will welcome clever newbies/fools who they can off-load work to. So if we recognize its origins in Internet governance out of IETF necessity and related activities which involved,also of necessity, multiple parties - a more-open, more-transparent 'we do not recognize kings just running code' world we are all now living in: and note the DoC's Green Paper tagline of 'industry-led'; we can at least suggest to Parminder that there are far worse alternatives than endorsement of the multi-stakeholder model as the global default for Internet governance, as the number one outcome of Brazil. In its next phase, multi-stakeholder Internet governance processes clearly have key roles to play, since there are just so many stakeholders, including interested individuals, who might have a better idea on how to do (new) things. Since we have not been here before. Whether those newbies are dipping their intellectual toe into IETF on inter-networking standards; or to other parts of ICANN for other matters, or to Milton and Brendren's new baby DNSA, it is clear that a lot of what we are talking about is too fast-moving/just wouldn't work if burdened with traditional intergovernmental oversight. Anyway, to be frank and realistic, for most of the Internet Governance processes we are talking about and especially those which have international impact, multi-stakeholder is a more inclusive, but also a more flexible and responsive, participatory, self-regulatory, model than FINRA. So in other words, and to finally be semi-succinct, if multi-stakeholder Internet governance processes are thought of as the variation on the age-old industry-self-regulatory theme which they are; personally I prefer multi-stakeholder as more inclusive of civil society and individual interests, whether yes the 'guild' of IPR lawyers/interests are also hanging around ICANN, as they have been doing since before its founding. At least we the people can get in the room whether physically or virtually as well, with a right to speak as equals. Which is Avri's key point. And to now conclude, all that is orthoganal to market regulation of firms (cough the Google example) in dominant positions, for which I would not advocate self-regulation, or multi-stakeholder processes, but good old-fashioned governmental competition policy regulation of firms suspected of abusing dominant positions, as in the present government inquiries in India and the EU. A future global markets authority may be a desirable thing but more plausible is the Indian regulators, and the Chinese, also taking their seats at the big boys table with US and EU authorities, and talking amongst themselves. But that is beyond the scope of what we can reach any level of consensus on in a month, so...let's focus on the targets we might hit. And in that area of global (and national) Internet public policy, I fully agree with you that governments must have the final authority, as Google can't be asked to police itself given the capitalist imperative. But for Brazil, and the broader Internet global public policy agenda circa 2014, the fact that information and telecommunication industries exhibit winner-take-all economics, whether at national or global scale, is just a fact and not something we can develop a coherent new global public policy for. In the next 30 days. I humbly suggest. My...25 cents. Lee From jeanette at wzb.eu Fri Mar 14 17:44:41 2014 From: jeanette at wzb.eu (Jeanette Hofmann) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 22:44:41 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] against all odds Message-ID: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> http://wapo.st/1eBBpGr More to follow I guess. Jeanette From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Sun Mar 2 22:35:30 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina Rossini) Date: Sun, 2 Mar 2014 19:35:30 -0800 Subject: [bestbits] LIVE-STREAM - RightsCon 2014 Message-ID: RightsCon live - info below ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Access Now Date: Sun, Mar 2, 2014 at 12:46 PM Subject: RightsCon 2014 Ready to Launch! To: Carolina Rossini *Be a part of Access' premier global summit on tech and human rights! Tune in to the RIghtsCon livestream, and join the conversation on your favorite social media platform.* , After months of planning and preparing, we're ready to kick off *RightsCon Silicon Valley 2014 *, the premier gathering of tech policy leaders, entrepreneurs, and digital rights defenders from around the world. I'm in awe of the amazing lineup of speakers and experts, and we want to make sure you have access to them too! Starting tomorrow, *RightsCon* participants will spend three days exploring the progress and challenges at the intersection of human rights and new technologies. The discussions will be all about building an internet that puts users at the center, and remains open and free for future generations -- and that's why we're committed to making sure you can take part in *RightsCon*, either in person or online. *Join us at RightsCon from anywhere: Watch our livestream!* *RightsCon is dedicated to future-proofing human rights.* We're going to be tackling the most difficult issues of the day, and seeking a path forward. If you can, we want you to join us in person in San Francisco. But if you can't make it in person, it doesn't mean you can't still be a part of RightsCon! Things kick off tomorrow (Monday) at 1pm PST. Here are some of the ways you can participate at RightsCon without getting out of your pajamas: - *Watch the stream* online on Youtube, Facebook, or on Google+ - *Follow the conversation *with our live blogs and social media updates - *Join in* via Twitter #rightsconor @accessnow, or on Google+ to comment and ask questions. *Check out what's happening: Watch the livestream! * *RightsCon* is the only conference dedicated to helping companies, governments, and civil society address the challenges -- and opportunities -- of tech and human rights. And it wouldn't be possible without the support of Access community members like you. Thank you, Brett Solomon Executive Director, Access ------------------------------ *Access defends and extends the digital rights of users at risk around the world. By combining tech-driven policy, user engagement, and direct technical support, we fight for open and secure communications for all. To help protect the internet around the world, you can donate to Access . To reply, please email info at accessnow.org . **To unsubscribe, go to: **https://www.accessnow.org/unsubscribe * -- *Carolina Rossini* *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* Open Technology Institute *New America Foundation* // http://carolinarossini.net/ + 1 6176979389 *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* skype: carolrossini @carolinarossini -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From fouadbajwa at gmail.com Fri Mar 14 17:49:58 2014 From: fouadbajwa at gmail.com (Fouad Bajwa) Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 02:49:58 +0500 Subject: [bestbits] against all odds In-Reply-To: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> References: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> Message-ID: Interesting....rumours or reality, time will tell, what will be the governance mechanism, that again will be much of the debate throughout the next few months...relinquishing control but how and in to what new form of rules and principles are the challenges.... On Sat, Mar 15, 2014 at 2:44 AM, Jeanette Hofmann wrote: > > > http://wapo.st/1eBBpGr > > More to follow I guess. > > Jeanette > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. > To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: > http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits -- Regards. -------------------------- Fouad Bajwa ICT4D and Internet Governance Advisor My Blog: Internet's Governance: http://internetsgovernance.blogspot.com/ Follow my Tweets: http://twitter.com/fouadbajwa From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Fri Mar 14 17:50:04 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 17:50:04 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] U.S. to Give Up Oversight of Web Policymaking Body Message-ID: <13B57C49-9287-4009-AD55-8B61C575BEB1@gmail.com> - http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303546204579439653103639452?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702303546204579439653103639452.html Sent from my iPhone -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Andrew at gp-digital.org Fri Mar 14 17:54:57 2014 From: Andrew at gp-digital.org (Andrew Puddephatt) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 21:54:57 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] US announces it will give up control of the internet Message-ID: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2014/ntia-announces-intent-transition-key-internet-domain-name-functions -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jeanette at wzb.eu Fri Mar 14 17:56:38 2014 From: jeanette at wzb.eu (Jeanette Hofmann) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 22:56:38 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] against all odds In-Reply-To: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> References: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> Message-ID: <53237B16.1060202@wzb.eu> And here comes the update: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2014/ntia-announces-intent-transition-key-internet-domain-name-functions. Am 14.03.14 22:44, schrieb Jeanette Hofmann: > > > http://wapo.st/1eBBpGr > > More to follow I guess. > > Jeanette From mars.techno.cat at gmail.com Fri Mar 14 18:05:18 2014 From: mars.techno.cat at gmail.com (Techno CAT) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 17:05:18 -0500 Subject: [bestbits] =?US-ASCII?Q?=23BREAKING_USA_=23dotDUMPS_=2EDUMPS_=23I?= =?US-ASCII?Q?CANN_=23IANA_http=3A//www=2Entia=2Edoc=2Egov/press-release/2?= =?US-ASCII?Q?014/ntia-announces-intent-transition-key-internet-domain-nam?= =?US-ASCII?Q?e-functions_=2E=2E=2E_=23FirstNET_is_NOW_one_of_the_=23Crown?= =?US-ASCII?Q?Jewels_+_=23COMNET_=23DNSD_-_=23ISOC_Shrugs?= Message-ID: #BREAKING USA #dotDUMPS .DUMPS #ICANN #IANA http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2014/ntia-announces-intent-transition-key-internet-domain-name-functions ... #FirstNET is NOW one of the #CrownJewels + #COMNET #DNSD - #ISOC Shrugs NTIA Announces Intent to Transition Key Internet Domain Name Functions Topics: ICANN Domain Name System Printer-friendly version FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2014 News Media Contact: NTIA, Office of Public Affairs, (202) 482-7002, press at ntia.doc.gov WASHINGTON - To support and enhance the multistakeholder model of Internet policymaking and governance, the U.S. Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announces its intent to transition key Internet domain name functions to the global multistakeholder community. As the first step, NTIA is asking the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to convene global stakeholders to develop a proposal to transition the current role played by NTIA in the coordination of the Internet's domain name system (DNS). NTIA's responsibility includes the procedural role of administering changes to the authoritative root zone file - the database containing the lists of names and addresses of all top-level domains - as well as serving as the historic steward of the DNS. NTIA currently contracts with ICANN to carry out the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions and has a Cooperative Agreement with Verisign under which it performs related root zone management functions. Transitioning NTIA out of its role marks the final phase of the privatization of the DNS as outlined by the U.S. Government in 1997. "The timing is right to start the transition process," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Lawrence E. Strickling. "We look forward to ICANN convening stakeholders across the global Internet community to craft an appropriate transition plan." ICANN is uniquely positioned, as both the current IANA functions contractor and the global coordinator for the DNS, as the appropriate party to convene the multistakeholder process to develop the transition plan. NTIA has informed ICANN that it expects that in the development of the proposal, ICANN will work collaboratively with the directly affected parties, including the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the Internet Architecture Board (IAB), the Internet Society (ISOC), the Regional Internet Registries (RIRs), top level domain name operators, VeriSign, and other interested global stakeholders. NTIA has communicated to ICANN that the transition proposal must have broad community support and address the following four principles: Support and enhance the multistakeholder model; Maintain the security, stability, and resiliency of the Internet DNS; Meet the needs and expectation of the global customers and partners of the IANA services; and, Maintain the openness of the Internet. Consistent with the clear policy expressed in bipartisan resolutions of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives (S.Con.Res.50 and H.Con.Res.127), which affirmed the United States support for the multistakeholder model of Internet governance, NTIA will not accept a proposal that replaces the NTIA role with a government-led or an inter-governmental organization solution. From renata at webfoundation.org Fri Mar 14 18:07:40 2014 From: renata at webfoundation.org (Renata Avila) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 23:07:40 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] against all odds In-Reply-To: <53237B16.1060202@wzb.eu> References: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> <53237B16.1060202@wzb.eu> Message-ID: Friday night. Interesting timing. On 14 Mar 2014 22:56, "Jeanette Hofmann" wrote: > And here comes the update: > > http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2014/ntia-announces- > intent-transition-key-internet-domain-name-functions. > > > Am 14.03.14 22:44, schrieb Jeanette Hofmann: > >> >> >> http://wapo.st/1eBBpGr >> >> More to follow I guess. >> >> Jeanette >> > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. > To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: > http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From fouadbajwa at gmail.com Fri Mar 14 18:23:22 2014 From: fouadbajwa at gmail.com (Fouad Bajwa) Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 03:23:22 +0500 Subject: [bestbits] against all odds In-Reply-To: References: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> <53237B16.1060202@wzb.eu> Message-ID: This is actually an opportunity for IGC and Best Bits to prepare and forward a statement with suggestion of possible models for governance of such a decentralization. Be rest assured that all this is happening just in time for the NetMundial in Brazil. I wouldn't waste such an opportunity to ensure that our voice is heard well from this point forward and all the forums thereof. On Sat, Mar 15, 2014 at 3:07 AM, Renata Avila wrote: > Friday night. Interesting timing. > > On 14 Mar 2014 22:56, "Jeanette Hofmann" wrote: >> >> And here comes the update: >> >> >> http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2014/ntia-announces-intent-transition-key-internet-domain-name-functions. >> >> >> Am 14.03.14 22:44, schrieb Jeanette Hofmann: >>> >>> >>> >>> http://wapo.st/1eBBpGr >>> >>> More to follow I guess. >>> >>> Jeanette >> >> >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. >> To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: >> http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits > > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. > To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: > http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits -- Regards. -------------------------- Fouad Bajwa ICT4D and Internet Governance Advisor My Blog: Internet's Governance: http://internetsgovernance.blogspot.com/ Follow my Tweets: http://twitter.com/fouadbajwa From mars.techno.cat at gmail.com Fri Mar 14 18:41:20 2014 From: mars.techno.cat at gmail.com (Techno CAT) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 17:41:20 -0500 Subject: [bestbits] #ICANN NOW has to TRY to Compete with Serious #DNS #DNSD Market Forces Message-ID: #ICANN NOW has to TRY to Compete with Serious #DNS #DNSD Market Forces - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2014/ntia-announces-intent-transition-key-internet-domain-name-functions ... WITHOUT UNCLE SAM's #NTIA CLOUT - enter #FTC ... ICANN NOW has to TRY to Compete ... Billions of dollars are being invested to make sure investor's interests are protected FROM the ICANN ISOC IETF IANA Regime... ... Uncle Sam (NTIA) will no longer be part of ICANN's Tag Team in the Ring ...in other words....NTIA is no longer a Stooge expected to nod USA approval at the ridiculous I* processes and policies... ... ...in the USA....FREE Market Forces should easily be able to end the ICANN era... BTW....any domainer that has not "protected" what they think are Their.Domains...had better consider the TWISTER headed their way... http:// TWISTER. NET. CO -- 3DNB - Real Banking for Your VIRTUAL Worlds http://3DNB.COM Login: ZOOM Password: BOX @Techno_CAT_r http://Twitter.com/Techno_CAT_r From mars.techno.cat at gmail.com Fri Mar 14 18:57:53 2014 From: mars.techno.cat at gmail.com (Techno CAT) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 17:57:53 -0500 Subject: [bestbits] Internet Technical Leaders Welcome IANA Globalization Progress Message-ID: ...does anyone think these people just fell into the same Gravy Boat...by chance? http://www.nro.net/news/internet-technical-leaders-welcome-iana-globalization-progress 14 March 2014 Internet Technical Leaders Welcome IANA Globalization Progress The leaders of the Internet technical organizations responsible for coordination of the Internet infrastructure (IETF, IAB, RIRs, ccTLD ROs, ICANN, ISOC, and W3C), welcome the US Government's announcement of the suggested changes related to the IANA functions contract. The roles on policy development processes of the Internet technical organizations and ICANN's role as administrator of the IANA functions, remain unchanged. The transition of the US Government stewardship has been envisaged since the early days of IANA functions contract. This transition is now feasible due to the maturity of the Internet technical organizations involved in performing their respective roles related to the IANA functions, and ICANN will facilitate a global, multi-stakeholder process to plan for the transition. The strength and stability of the IANA functions within the above organizations (which make up the Internet technical community) are critical to the operation of the Internet. The processes around the IANA functions have always been carefully specified in the communities that our organizations represent. The IANA functions are faithfully administered by ICANN. We are committed to continuing our proven, community-driven processes as we engage in this transition. Our communities are already considering proposals to progress the transition. Our organizations are committed to open and transparent multi-stakeholder processes. We are also committed to further strengthening our processes and agreements related to the IANA functions, and to building on the existing organizations and their roles. The Internet technical community is strong enough to continue its role, while assuming the stewardship function as it transitions from the US Government. Participating Leaders Adiel A. Akplogan, CEO African Network Information Center (AFRINIC) Barrack Otieno, Manager, The African Top Level Domains Organization (AFTLD) Paul Wilson, Director General Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) Don Hollander, General Manager Asia Pacific Top Level Domain Association (APTLD) John Curran, CEO American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) Peter Van Roste, General Manager, Council for European National Top Level Domain Registries (CENTR) Russ Housley, Chair Internet Architecture Board (IAB) Fadi Chehadé, President and CEO Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Jari Arkko, Chair Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Kathy Brown, President and CEO Internet Society (ISOC) Raúl Echeberría, CEO Latin America and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry (LACNIC) Carolina Aguerre, General Manager, Latin American and Caribbean TLD Association (LACTLD) Axel Pawlik, Managing Director Réseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC) Jeff Jaffe, CEO World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) -- 3DNB - Real Banking for Your VIRTUAL Worlds http://3DNB.COM Login: ZOOM Password: BOX @Techno_CAT_r http://Twitter.com/Techno_CAT_r From mars.techno.cat at gmail.com Fri Mar 14 19:20:52 2014 From: mars.techno.cat at gmail.com (Techno CAT) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 18:20:52 -0500 Subject: [bestbits] Surprise Surprise....Synchronized Press Releases... Message-ID: http://www.ietf.org/mail-archive/web/ietf/current/msg86792.html http://www.iab.org/documents/correspondence-reports-documents/2014-2/internet-technical-leaders-welcome-iana-globalization-progress/ -- 3DNB - Real Banking for Your VIRTUAL Worlds http://3DNB.COM Login: ZOOM Password: BOX @Techno_CAT_r http://Twitter.com/Techno_CAT_r From Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au Tue Mar 4 15:00:34 2014 From: Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au (Jeremy Malcolm) Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2014 04:00:34 +0800 Subject: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Message-ID: Dear all, With thanks to everyone for their hard work on the drafts, we are now simultaneously launching three submissions for the NETmundial meeting. These submissions are the end results of extensive discussions on the Best Bits lists going back to last year, with a final face-to-face review this week (particularly on the roadmap for further evolution of the institutional submission) by those of you who are present at RightsCon in San Francisco. The three complementary submissions, all of which are open for endorsement separately, are: Internet governance principles, http://bestbits.net/netmundial-principles/ Roadmap for the Further Evolution of the Internet Governance Ecosystem – institutional mechanisms, http://bestbits.net/netmundial-roadmap/ Roadmap for the Further Evolution of the Internet Governance Ecosystem – ICANN, http://bestbits.net/netmundial-icann/ These will be formally submitted to NETmundial on 8 March 2014, but between now and then we are gathering as many endorsements for each of the statements as we can. So please I would encourage everyone to read the statements, to endorse each of them separately (if you agree with them, of course), and then to spread the word through social media, email or word of mouth. Thanks again to everyone involved, and we really hope to see your endorsement on each of the submissions soon. -- Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 204 bytes Desc: Message signed with OpenPGP using GPGMail URL: From mars.techno.cat at gmail.com Fri Mar 14 19:48:56 2014 From: mars.techno.cat at gmail.com (Techno CAT) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 18:48:56 -0500 Subject: [bestbits] ICANN Board Chair reacts to US Government plan to relinquish key Internet stewardship Message-ID: http://youtu.be/eCvtvVZyjLA ...time for the rest of the world to "Step UP"....??? ... or....the reality is that poised players are FINALLY ready to COMPETE with ICANN ...and the USA is stepping out of the RING...NTIA will watch from the cheap seats... -- 3DNB - Real Banking for Your VIRTUAL Worlds http://3DNB.COM Login: ZOOM Password: BOX @Techno_CAT_r http://Twitter.com/Techno_CAT_r From mars.techno.cat at gmail.com Fri Mar 14 20:06:17 2014 From: mars.techno.cat at gmail.com (Techno CAT) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 19:06:17 -0500 Subject: [bestbits] ICANN unveils their GAME.PLAN...??? Message-ID: ICANN unveils their GAME.PLAN....???...or their first "deception" ? http://www.icann.org/en/about/agreements/iana/functions-transfer-process-14mar14-en.pdf ...the competition for ICANN IANA will of course NOT be showing any cards... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Art_of_War "All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near." -- 3DNB - Real Banking for Your VIRTUAL Worlds http://3DNB.COM Login: ZOOM Password: BOX @Techno_CAT_r http://Twitter.com/Techno_CAT_r From stephanie.perrin at mail.utoronto.ca Sat Mar 8 16:35:38 2014 From: stephanie.perrin at mail.utoronto.ca (Stephanie Perrin) Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2014 16:35:38 -0500 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <05A67F32-4759-43F8-BBBF-F1A5241CA6F3@theglobaljournal.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> <531AC0CA.3010001@itforchange.net> <531B0283.60303@wzb.eu> <16fc01cf3ad8$f26a3f70$d73ebe50$@gmail.com> <531B7907.8060601@wzb.eu> <05A67F32-4759-43F8-BBBF-F1A5241CA6F3@theglobaljournal.net> Message-ID: If I may jump in and respond, having been a civil servant for 30 years...we are not stupid. One does need inside information to fully understand the impact of regulation. One of the bigger problems in government these days is complexity, coupled with the speed of change. Coming up with, lets say, (in order to get away from pharma for a moment) agricultural regulations, you need to consult industry, farmers, consumers, shippers, anti-poverty activists, environmental experts, etc. You need to understand world markets and world impacts. You do not, as public servants, have this knowledge fall down on scrolls from heaven. Impact assessment of your proposed regulation has to come from the stakeholders, hopefully by talking to them or running public calls for comment. Now here is where multi-stakeholderism has merit over multilateralism. In true, bottom-up multistakeholderism, if you want to contribute, you can. In multilateral or normal government regulation making, the involvement of all stakeholders can vary enormously, from fully transparent democratic calls for involvement, to nothing. Some countries or even policy areas within government consult only with industry associations, which may favour big players. Consumer and human rights advocates may or may not be consulted, and if they are they are sometimes hand picked. This is documented in political science literature. My point is that in good multi-stakeholder practice, the governing or rule-making party has less control of the outcome, because participation is more democratic. There will always be the issue of who has the time, money, and training to provide input, to go to the meetings, etc., but the process is harder for big players to manipulate and hopefully is more fair and equitable. When you multiply that over the many countries that have a stake in Internet governance (i.e. all of them) then it seems to me very clear that multi-stakeholderism, however flawed, stands to be a more open and inclusive process. I would hope that civil society would see fit to support it and make it better. Stephanie Perrin PS if I may, as a newcomer to this list....life is complicated, there are indeed mostly grey areas. It would be great if we could come up with positive proposals for how to make these systems work better, rather than argue. I would repeat my proposal that doing broad-based impact assessment on all Internet governance decisions, with comment periods, might help mitigate some of the dissatisfaction with results, and improve learning. On 2014-03-08, at 3:57 PM, Jean-Christophe NOTHIAS I The Global Journal wrote: > Jeanette, > > The difficulty lies on those grey zones you are enjoying, > > Is your experience of civil servants - unable to prepare legislation without drawing on external expertise - large enough for coming to conclusion that without lobbyists, and big corps, civil servants are not able to accomplish their task? Have you got any documentation on this? Or is this something that is very well known, but undocumented for some reasons? And, if any civil servants on the list, do you agree with that understanding of civil servants poor capacities? Maybe we should ask them outside of these governance and Best bits listing? > > On top of civil servants, you add that civil society has no capacity to counterbalance big corps... > > At the end of the day, who has true capacity in your multistakeholder prism? > No civil servants, no civil society... > So who's able? > Corporate servants, corporate society.. > > With such a vision, I doubt you believe in multistakeholderism: why do you bother with civil servants and civil society? > > All of that sounds really like non sense. But maybe I need to join a multistakholder meeting, so to understand more of the real life. > > Jeanette, > > All of this is really going insane. > > Michael is so right > > JC > > > Le 8 mars 2014 à 21:09, Jeanette Hofmann a écrit : > >> I don't know how you can read this out of my comment. >> >> In my experience, parliaments and ministries are unable prepare legislation without drawing on external expertise. It is an illusion to think that legislation could take place as an autonomous process without external influence. >> There is also nothing dubious about lobbying as such. It has been around since parliaments have lobbies and most lobbyists are officially accredited with parliaments. What is problematic is that state officials often acquire the problem perceptions and mindsets of the industies they regulate. >> >> Another problem I see is that civil society won't have the capacity to intervene as much as it should to counter-balance the impact of commercial lobbying. >> >> jeanette >> >> Am 08.03.14 15:16, schrieb michael gurstein: >>> So it is your position that what up to this point has been ethically dubious and in some cases downright illegal i.e. the subverting (errr.. "shaping") of public policy processes to support private interests, not only legal but compulsory? >>> >>> M >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net [mailto:bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net] On Behalf Of Jeanette Hofmann >>> Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2014 3:44 AM >>> To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; bestbits at lists.bestbits.net >>> Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>> Conversely, since there is considerable interest here in >>>> multistakeholder policy making, even at national levels, would you >>>> support pharma companies, for instance, sitting in bodies making - >>>> actually making - health and drug policies, and big publishers in >>>> education policy making, and so on... >>> >>> >>> The problem is that the pharmaceutical companies have been doing this for decades - but behind closed doors. National legislation is not done without consulting with industries affected. Sometimes, particularly on the EU level, they even write the draft legislation. Multistakeholder offers the chance to broaden the consulation process and bring this process in the open daylight so that everybody can see what has been going on in secret. >>> >>> jeanette >>> >>> >>>> If not, what is the essential difference, and who decides the 'difference'? >>>> >>>> Of course state's extra-ordinary interest to control the Internet may >>>> be discussed here, but the state has the same kind of desire to >>>> control, for instance, the education system. Does it give enough basis >>>> for multistakeholder policy making in the education at the national level? >>>> Be fore-warned, that is the model of policy making that we are >>>> embracing here. >>>> >>>> parminder >>>> >>>>> >>>>> Apart from the difference between public policies and technical >>>>> decisions, is also the difference between original public policy >>>>> authority and delegated authority. These are concepts and ideas that >>>>> are rather well worked out in the texts of political science and >>>>> public administration. >>>>> >>>>> A public policy function is sovereign in the sense of not being >>>>> subject to a higher authority (judicial review being a different >>>>> matter) and is accompanied with legitimate coercive power for >>>>> enforcement. Such power only lies with elected representatives in >>>>> democracies. It cannot, for instance, be exercised by business >>>>> representatives . >>>>> >>>>> (At the global level, such sovereignty is exercised in a complex >>>>> manner whereby national legislatures often need to ratify >>>>> international treaties, and while many of such treaties carry >>>>> enforcement elements, the manner of their national application remain >>>>> in a somewhat complex interplay with national political systems. But >>>>> this system of global public policies still works.) >>>>> >>>>> As such CGI.Br does not and cannot consitutionally undertake public >>>>> policy function. Happy to hear counter-arguments. >>>>> >>>>> There is a huge problem with deforming the clear political >>>>> definitions regarding public policy etc and then find entry points >>>>> for big business to exercise formal political power..... Once such a >>>>> role is established on some areas, then this power migrates upwards >>>>> to cover all areas of our social and political existence. This is >>>>> what is happening now. >>>>> >>>>> Do note that the currently fashionable meme of 'equal footing' in >>>>> public policy functions does not ever circumscribe the areas where >>>>> big business can thus exercise formal political power, and where it >>>>> cannot. The multistakeholder policy making models, for instance the >>>>> one offered by Jeremy, applies to all areas of Internet policies at >>>>> the global level. Soon, it will be areas of policy in any sector at >>>>> the global level. Such efforts are of course already afoot. And then >>>>> gradually this models is brought to the national levels. >>>>> >>>>> I remain worried how few here see and fear the headlong plunge into a >>>>> neoliberal post-democratic system that we may be taking, and in fact >>>>> contributing so strongly to... >>>>> >>>>> parminder >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Membership of CGI.br is of course not informal - it is quite formal, >>>>>> but it is multi-stakeholder. >>>>>> >>>>>> Government has more positions which is something I have heard some >>>>>> Brazilian civil society express concern about. But it does mean that >>>>>> different parts of government is represented which his important. >>>>>> Business is represented through industry bodies, and so on. >>>>>> >>>>>> It is an example of how governance processes can change, and how >>>>>> public policy making can be more inclusive and multi-stakeholder and >>>>>> go beyond the traditional 'government proposes policy - with or >>>>>> without public consulation, follwed by legislature reviewing and >>>>>> approving/rejecting'. >>>>>> >>>>>> From a CS perspective I think we need to lobby for traditional >>>>>> models to be more inclusive, for public consultation to be >>>>>> introduced where it does not exist, and to be improved where it >>>>>> does. But we should also propose and promote new models where >>>>>> policy-making is actually done in an inclusive MS space. >>>>>> >>>>>> Anriette >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 06/03/2014 14:02, parminder wrote: >>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>> >>>>>>> You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil society >>>>>>> statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold that >>>>>>> non-gov participants(which includes business)should be on the same >>>>>>> footing as gov participants in terms of actually /*making public >>>>>>> *//*policies*//*. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> */Fine. There is no room for confusion now. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy >>>>>>> making, which arent there in the mentioned statement, or its >>>>>>> accompanying statements. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>> >>>>>>> PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. And >>>>>>> Joy - or is it someone else from APC - is on the steering committee >>>>>>> on BB... I hope such mis-statements are avoided, and when pointed >>>>>>> out withdrawn. Thanks. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> /* >>>>>>> */ >>>>>>> On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: >>>>>>>> As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter the >>>>>>>> full quote in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>>>> internet governance. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder >>>>>>>> processes are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and >>>>>>>> APC has been on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder >>>>>>>> processes: these are simply one form of democratic participation. >>>>>>>> To be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other >>>>>>>> documents and says, taken together, certain principles relevant to >>>>>>>> internet governance can be deduced and should be taken forward >>>>>>>> into NetMundial, including human rights. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 >>>>>>>> recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing the >>>>>>>> Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: >>>>>>>> a) governments alone make public policy including some which is >>>>>>>> relevant to internet governance >>>>>>>> b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other when >>>>>>>> doing so; and >>>>>>>> c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and >>>>>>>> therefore should not be on an equal footing with governments this >>>>>>>> role (though they can of course be involved/consulted) . >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines that >>>>>>>> a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public policy >>>>>>>> which is relevant to internet governance >>>>>>>> b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing or >>>>>>>> parity with each other when doing so; >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission >>>>>>>> which simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles >>>>>>>> NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder >>>>>>>> participation and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>>> On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: >>>>>>>>> Dear all >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and >>>>>>>>> the use of 'multilateral'. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> The full text in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>>>>> internet governance." >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its >>>>>>>>> dictionary sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties >>>>>>>>> and multiple countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic >>>>>>>>> defines how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of >>>>>>>>> governments, the private sector, civil society and international >>>>>>>>> organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent >>>>>>>>> role in relation to international internet governance." >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the >>>>>>>>> term multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as >>>>>>>>> meaning "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest >>>>>>>>> that. But we certainly did mean that governments should be >>>>>>>>> involved, and that no one government should dominate - but in the >>>>>>>>> context of the involvement of other stakeholders too. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Best >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Anriette >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>>>>>>>>>>> > wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's >>>>>>>>>>>>> behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with >>>>>>>>>>>>> respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies >>>>>>>>>>>>> that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at >>>>>>>>>>>>> all points in the decision-making process." Well of course. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Two hoots to democracy! >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>>>>>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>>>>>>>>>>>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... >>>>>>>>>>>>> BUT... >>>>>>>>>>>>> /* >>>>>>>>>>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>>>>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is different >>>>>>>>>>>>> from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. >>>>>>>>>>>>> If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all >>>>>>>>>>>>> stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and >>>>>>>>>>>>> role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Please address this point specifically. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of >>>>>>>>>>>> this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can >>>>>>>>>>>> read for yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At >>>>>>>>>>>> various times it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it >>>>>>>>>>>> became "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, >>>>>>>>>>>> to accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about >>>>>>>>>>>> how equal the stakeholder roles should be. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and >>>>>>>>>>> non-democracy. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in >>>>>>>>>>> /*decision making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and >>>>>>>>>>> non gov actors.... >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that >>>>>>>>>> this CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not >>>>>>>>>> multistakeholder governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to >>>>>>>>>> multilateral democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet >>>>>>>>>> governanceshould be multilateral and democratic. " >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this >>>>>>>>>> present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - >>>>>>>>>> does not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the >>>>>>>>>> principle inspirations. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also >>>>>>>>>> quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, >>>>>>>>>> CoE principles, and G 8 principles.... >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >>>>>>>>>> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term >>>>>>>>>> either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much >>>>>>>>>> subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil >>>>>>>>>> society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in >>>>>>>>>> this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance >>>>>>>>>> characteristics" you could think only of " openness, >>>>>>>>>> transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable >>>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation */" (emphasis added) >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the >>>>>>>>>> word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur >>>>>>>>>> to someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the >>>>>>>>>> group.... Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for >>>>>>>>>> me to stay away from this doc. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not >>>>>>>>>> to get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the >>>>>>>>>> thin end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave >>>>>>>>>> new post democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream >>>>>>>>>> of.... It is a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed >>>>>>>>>> to be the Trojan Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib >>>>>>>>>> order. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like >>>>>>>>>> equitable multistakeholder participation (further explained in >>>>>>>>>> the emerging contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the >>>>>>>>>> survey) are getting introduced as basis of our governance. And >>>>>>>>>> see how exactly it matches what some of us predicted is the >>>>>>>>>> prime objective at present of the US supported status quoists to >>>>>>>>>> get into the text of the outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC >>>>>>>>>>> got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most >>>>>>>>>>> important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on >>>>>>>>>>> this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is >>>>>>>>>>> the key point, and not skirt it... >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >>>>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of >>>>>>>>>>> the people, possess public authority including internet-related >>>>>>>>>>> public policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for >>>>>>>>>>> legitimacy and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to >>>>>>>>>>> respect and protect human rights, ensure that the rule of law >>>>>>>>>>> is respected and that relevant national legislation complies >>>>>>>>>>> with their obligations under international law. Moreover, they >>>>>>>>>>> need to ensure that the appropriate basic conditions both in >>>>>>>>>>> terms of cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. >>>>>>>>>>> Civil society serves, and should continue to do so, as a >>>>>>>>>>> facilitator and notably as a source of empowerment and >>>>>>>>>>> credibility, especially at community level. The private sector >>>>>>>>>>> and particularly the technical community significantly >>>>>>>>>>> influence and encourage the development, distribution and >>>>>>>>>>> accessibility of the internet, and should continue to do so. In >>>>>>>>>>> order to fully live up to the potentials for economic growth, >>>>>>>>>>> innovation, freedom of expression, access to information and >>>>>>>>>>> ideas and democratic participation in a knowledge society, all >>>>>>>>>>> stakeholders involved need to work together." >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT >>>>>>>>>>>> policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR >>>>>>>>>>>> 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk -F! >>>>>>>>>>>> '{print $3}' >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >>>>>>>>>>>> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For >>>>>>>>>>>> instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>>>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, >>>>>>>>> association for progressive communications www.apc.org po box >>>>>>>>> 29755, melville 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, association >>>>>> for progressive communications www.apc.org po box 29755, melville >>>>>> 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>>> >>>> >>> >>> >> >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> To be removed from the list, visit: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >> >> For all other list information and functions, see: >> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >> >> Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t > > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t From parminder.js at gmail.com Fri Mar 14 09:05:20 2014 From: parminder.js at gmail.com (Parminder) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 18:35:20 +0530 Subject: Fwd: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <5322F7E5.4070308@itforchange.net> References: <5322F7E5.4070308@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <5322FE90.1000304@gmail.com> Dear Stephanie, I read carefully your emails about multistakeholder participation in policy making. I agree with everything you say. Can it then be taken that we agree on multistakeholder participation in policy making? (More on agreement and different versions of multistakeholderism or MSism later.) In fact, your points on the need for non governmental 'stakeholders' to have new formal venues of participation which cannot easily be influenced or controlled by policy makers is most important. Last year, I wrote a blog where I called IGF kind of structures as representing version 3 of democracy, where new formal venues of participation are instituted that are not ad hoc, and do not depend on the sweet will of policy makers... However, this is not what many proponents of MSism stop at. (See for instance Avri's submissions to NetMundial process, and several others.)They specifically want equal role for all stakeholders – for instance, equal role for Google and the government of Brazil – in 'making actual public policy decisions'. So, having agreed with you on your formulations, may I ask you whether you agree to such equality of all stakeholders – in terms, sorry, but need to repeat for the sake of specificity, of 'making actual public policy decisions'. Do you think that this is a minor point, that need not be raised so strongly. Is the proposition of 'equality of all stakeholders' expressed in this fashion not a threat to democracy? Please see IT for Change's submission to NetMundial titled - 'Is certain kind of multistakeholderism a post-democratic ideology? Need to save NetMundial outcome documents from crossing some sacred democratic lines '. I am engaging with you on this matter especially because you are in the High Level Committee for the Brazil meeting. Do expect 'equality of all stakeholders' meme to become a key sticking point as real negotiations begin on outcome documents for Brazil meeting. Regards parminder On Sunday 09 March 2014 03:05 AM, Stephanie Perrin wrote: > If I may jump in and respond, having been a civil servant for 30 years...we are not stupid. One does need inside information to fully understand the impact of regulation. One of the bigger problems in government these days is complexity, coupled with the speed of change. Coming up with, lets say, (in order to get away from pharma for a moment) agricultural regulations, you need to consult industry, farmers, consumers, shippers, anti-poverty activists, environmental experts, etc. You need to understand world markets and world impacts. You do not, as public servants, have this knowledge fall down on scrolls from heaven. Impact assessment of your proposed regulation has to come from the stakeholders, hopefully by talking to them or running public calls for comment. Now here is where multi-stakeholderism has merit over multilateralism. In true, bottom-up multistakeholderism, if you want to contribute, you can. In multilateral or normal government regulation mak > ing, the involvement of all stakeholders can vary enormously, from fully transparent democratic calls for involvement, to nothing. Some countries or even policy areas within government consult only with industry associations, which may favour big players. Consumer and human rights advocates may or may not be consulted, and if they are they are sometimes hand picked. This is documented in political science literature. My point is that in good multi-stakeholder practice, the governing or rule-making party has less control of the outcome, because participation is more democratic. There will always be the issue of who has the time, money, and training to provide input, to go to the meetings, etc., but the process is harder for big players to manipulate and hopefully is more fair and equitable. When you multiply that over the many countries that have a stake in Internet governance (i.e. all of them) then it seems to me very clear that multi-stakeholderism, however flawed, stands to > be a more open and inclusive process. I would hope that civil society would see fit to support it and make it better. > Stephanie Perrin > PS if I may, as a newcomer to this list....life is complicated, there are indeed mostly grey areas. It would be great if we could come up with positive proposals for how to make these systems work better, rather than argue. I would repeat my proposal that doing broad-based impact assessment on all Internet governance decisions, with comment periods, might help mitigate some of the dissatisfaction with results, and improve learning. > On 2014-03-08, at 3:57 PM, Jean-Christophe NOTHIAS I The Global Journal wrote: > >> Jeanette, >> >> The difficulty lies on those grey zones you are enjoying, >> >> Is your experience of civil servants - unable to prepare legislation without drawing on external expertise - large enough for coming to conclusion that without lobbyists, and big corps, civil servants are not able to accomplish their task? Have you got any documentation on this? Or is this something that is very well known, but undocumented for some reasons? And, if any civil servants on the list, do you agree with that understanding of civil servants poor capacities? Maybe we should ask them outside of these governance and Best bits listing? >> >> On top of civil servants, you add that civil society has no capacity to counterbalance big corps... >> >> At the end of the day, who has true capacity in your multistakeholder prism? >> No civil servants, no civil society... >> So who's able? >> Corporate servants, corporate society.. >> >> With such a vision, I doubt you believe in multistakeholderism: why do you bother with civil servants and civil society? >> >> All of that sounds really like non sense. But maybe I need to join a multistakholder meeting, so to understand more of the real life. >> >> Jeanette, >> >> All of this is really going insane. >> >> Michael is so right >> >> JC >> >> >> Le 8 mars 2014 à 21:09, Jeanette Hofmann a écrit : >> >>> I don't know how you can read this out of my comment. >>> >>> In my experience, parliaments and ministries are unable prepare legislation without drawing on external expertise. It is an illusion to think that legislation could take place as an autonomous process without external influence. >>> There is also nothing dubious about lobbying as such. It has been around since parliaments have lobbies and most lobbyists are officially accredited with parliaments. What is problematic is that state officials often acquire the problem perceptions and mindsets of the industies they regulate. >>> >>> Another problem I see is that civil society won't have the capacity to intervene as much as it should to counter-balance the impact of commercial lobbying. >>> >>> jeanette >>> >>> Am 08.03.14 15:16, schrieb michael gurstein: >>>> So it is your position that what up to this point has been ethically dubious and in some cases downright illegal i.e. the subverting (errr.. "shaping") of public policy processes to support private interests, not only legal but compulsory? >>>> >>>> M >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From:bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net [mailto:bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net] On Behalf Of Jeanette Hofmann >>>> Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2014 3:44 AM >>>> To:governance at lists.igcaucus.org;bestbits at lists.bestbits.net >>>> Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>> Conversely, since there is considerable interest here in >>>>> multistakeholder policy making, even at national levels, would you >>>>> support pharma companies, for instance, sitting in bodies making - >>>>> actually making - health and drug policies, and big publishers in >>>>> education policy making, and so on... >>>> The problem is that the pharmaceutical companies have been doing this for decades - but behind closed doors. National legislation is not done without consulting with industries affected. Sometimes, particularly on the EU level, they even write the draft legislation. Multistakeholder offers the chance to broaden the consulation process and bring this process in the open daylight so that everybody can see what has been going on in secret. >>>> >>>> jeanette >>>> >>>> >>>>> If not, what is the essential difference, and who decides the 'difference'? >>>>> >>>>> Of course state's extra-ordinary interest to control the Internet may >>>>> be discussed here, but the state has the same kind of desire to >>>>> control, for instance, the education system. Does it give enough basis >>>>> for multistakeholder policy making in the education at the national level? >>>>> Be fore-warned, that is the model of policy making that we are >>>>> embracing here. >>>>> >>>>> parminder >>>>> >>>>>> Apart from the difference between public policies and technical >>>>>> decisions, is also the difference between original public policy >>>>>> authority and delegated authority. These are concepts and ideas that >>>>>> are rather well worked out in the texts of political science and >>>>>> public administration. >>>>>> >>>>>> A public policy function is sovereign in the sense of not being >>>>>> subject to a higher authority (judicial review being a different >>>>>> matter) and is accompanied with legitimate coercive power for >>>>>> enforcement. Such power only lies with elected representatives in >>>>>> democracies. It cannot, for instance, be exercised by business >>>>>> representatives . >>>>>> >>>>>> (At the global level, such sovereignty is exercised in a complex >>>>>> manner whereby national legislatures often need to ratify >>>>>> international treaties, and while many of such treaties carry >>>>>> enforcement elements, the manner of their national application remain >>>>>> in a somewhat complex interplay with national political systems. But >>>>>> this system of global public policies still works.) >>>>>> >>>>>> As such CGI.Br does not and cannot consitutionally undertake public >>>>>> policy function. Happy to hear counter-arguments. >>>>>> >>>>>> There is a huge problem with deforming the clear political >>>>>> definitions regarding public policy etc and then find entry points >>>>>> for big business to exercise formal political power..... Once such a >>>>>> role is established on some areas, then this power migrates upwards >>>>>> to cover all areas of our social and political existence. This is >>>>>> what is happening now. >>>>>> >>>>>> Do note that the currently fashionable meme of 'equal footing' in >>>>>> public policy functions does not ever circumscribe the areas where >>>>>> big business can thus exercise formal political power, and where it >>>>>> cannot. The multistakeholder policy making models, for instance the >>>>>> one offered by Jeremy, applies to all areas of Internet policies at >>>>>> the global level. Soon, it will be areas of policy in any sector at >>>>>> the global level. Such efforts are of course already afoot. And then >>>>>> gradually this models is brought to the national levels. >>>>>> >>>>>> I remain worried how few here see and fear the headlong plunge into a >>>>>> neoliberal post-democratic system that we may be taking, and in fact >>>>>> contributing so strongly to... >>>>>> >>>>>> parminder >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> Membership of CGI.br is of course not informal - it is quite formal, >>>>>>> but it is multi-stakeholder. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Government has more positions which is something I have heard some >>>>>>> Brazilian civil society express concern about. But it does mean that >>>>>>> different parts of government is represented which his important. >>>>>>> Business is represented through industry bodies, and so on. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> It is an example of how governance processes can change, and how >>>>>>> public policy making can be more inclusive and multi-stakeholder and >>>>>>> go beyond the traditional 'government proposes policy - with or >>>>>>> without public consulation, follwed by legislature reviewing and >>>>>>> approving/rejecting'. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> From a CS perspective I think we need to lobby for traditional >>>>>>> models to be more inclusive, for public consultation to be >>>>>>> introduced where it does not exist, and to be improved where it >>>>>>> does. But we should also propose and promote new models where >>>>>>> policy-making is actually done in an inclusive MS space. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Anriette >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 06/03/2014 14:02, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil society >>>>>>>> statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold that >>>>>>>> non-gov participants(which includes business)should be on the same >>>>>>>> footing as gov participants in terms of actually /*making public >>>>>>>> *//*policies*//*. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> */Fine. There is no room for confusion now. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy >>>>>>>> making, which arent there in the mentioned statement, or its >>>>>>>> accompanying statements. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. And >>>>>>>> Joy - or is it someone else from APC - is on the steering committee >>>>>>>> on BB... I hope such mis-statements are avoided, and when pointed >>>>>>>> out withdrawn. Thanks. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> /* >>>>>>>> */ >>>>>>>> On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: >>>>>>>>> As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter the >>>>>>>>> full quote in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>>>>> internet governance. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder >>>>>>>>> processes are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and >>>>>>>>> APC has been on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder >>>>>>>>> processes: these are simply one form of democratic participation. >>>>>>>>> To be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other >>>>>>>>> documents and says, taken together, certain principles relevant to >>>>>>>>> internet governance can be deduced and should be taken forward >>>>>>>>> into NetMundial, including human rights. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 >>>>>>>>> recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing the >>>>>>>>> Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: >>>>>>>>> a) governments alone make public policy including some which is >>>>>>>>> relevant to internet governance >>>>>>>>> b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other when >>>>>>>>> doing so; and >>>>>>>>> c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and >>>>>>>>> therefore should not be on an equal footing with governments this >>>>>>>>> role (though they can of course be involved/consulted) . >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines that >>>>>>>>> a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public policy >>>>>>>>> which is relevant to internet governance >>>>>>>>> b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing or >>>>>>>>> parity with each other when doing so; >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission >>>>>>>>> which simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles >>>>>>>>> NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder >>>>>>>>> participation and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>>>> On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: >>>>>>>>>> Dear all >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and >>>>>>>>>> the use of 'multilateral'. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> The full text in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>>>>>> internet governance." >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its >>>>>>>>>> dictionary sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties >>>>>>>>>> and multiple countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic >>>>>>>>>> defines how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of >>>>>>>>>> governments, the private sector, civil society and international >>>>>>>>>> organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent >>>>>>>>>> role in relation to international internet governance." >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the >>>>>>>>>> term multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as >>>>>>>>>> meaning "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest >>>>>>>>>> that. But we certainly did mean that governments should be >>>>>>>>>> involved, and that no one government should dominate - but in the >>>>>>>>>> context of the involvement of other stakeholders too. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Best >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Anriette >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>>>>>>>>>>>> > wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's >>>>>>>>>>>>>> behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with >>>>>>>>>>>>>> respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies >>>>>>>>>>>>>> that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at >>>>>>>>>>>>>> all points in the decision-making process." Well of course. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Two hoots to democracy! >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>>>>>>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... >>>>>>>>>>>>>> BUT... >>>>>>>>>>>>>> /* >>>>>>>>>>>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>>>>>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is different >>>>>>>>>>>>>> from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all >>>>>>>>>>>>>> stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and >>>>>>>>>>>>>> role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Please address this point specifically. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of >>>>>>>>>>>>> this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can >>>>>>>>>>>>> read for yourself:https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At >>>>>>>>>>>>> various times it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it >>>>>>>>>>>>> became "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, >>>>>>>>>>>>> to accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about >>>>>>>>>>>>> how equal the stakeholder roles should be. >>>>>>>>>>>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and >>>>>>>>>>>> non-democracy. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in >>>>>>>>>>>> /*decision making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and >>>>>>>>>>>> non gov actors.... >>>>>>>>>>> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that >>>>>>>>>>> this CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not >>>>>>>>>>> multistakeholder governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to >>>>>>>>>>> multilateral democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet >>>>>>>>>>> governanceshould be multilateral and democratic. " >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this >>>>>>>>>>> present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - >>>>>>>>>>> does not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the >>>>>>>>>>> principle inspirations. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also >>>>>>>>>>> quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, >>>>>>>>>>> CoE principles, and G 8 principles.... >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >>>>>>>>>>> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term >>>>>>>>>>> either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much >>>>>>>>>>> subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil >>>>>>>>>>> society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in >>>>>>>>>>> this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance >>>>>>>>>>> characteristics" you could think only of " openness, >>>>>>>>>>> transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable >>>>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation */" (emphasis added) >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the >>>>>>>>>>> word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur >>>>>>>>>>> to someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the >>>>>>>>>>> group.... Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for >>>>>>>>>>> me to stay away from this doc. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not >>>>>>>>>>> to get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the >>>>>>>>>>> thin end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave >>>>>>>>>>> new post democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream >>>>>>>>>>> of.... It is a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed >>>>>>>>>>> to be the Trojan Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib >>>>>>>>>>> order. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like >>>>>>>>>>> equitable multistakeholder participation (further explained in >>>>>>>>>>> the emerging contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the >>>>>>>>>>> survey) are getting introduced as basis of our governance. And >>>>>>>>>>> see how exactly it matches what some of us predicted is the >>>>>>>>>>> prime objective at present of the US supported status quoists to >>>>>>>>>>> get into the text of the outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC >>>>>>>>>>>> got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most >>>>>>>>>>>> important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on >>>>>>>>>>>> this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is >>>>>>>>>>>> the key point, and not skirt it... >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >>>>>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of >>>>>>>>>>>> the people, possess public authority including internet-related >>>>>>>>>>>> public policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for >>>>>>>>>>>> legitimacy and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to >>>>>>>>>>>> respect and protect human rights, ensure that the rule of law >>>>>>>>>>>> is respected and that relevant national legislation complies >>>>>>>>>>>> with their obligations under international law. Moreover, they >>>>>>>>>>>> need to ensure that the appropriate basic conditions both in >>>>>>>>>>>> terms of cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. >>>>>>>>>>>> Civil society serves, and should continue to do so, as a >>>>>>>>>>>> facilitator and notably as a source of empowerment and >>>>>>>>>>>> credibility, especially at community level. The private sector >>>>>>>>>>>> and particularly the technical community significantly >>>>>>>>>>>> influence and encourage the development, distribution and >>>>>>>>>>>> accessibility of the internet, and should continue to do so. In >>>>>>>>>>>> order to fully live up to the potentials for economic growth, >>>>>>>>>>>> innovation, freedom of expression, access to information and >>>>>>>>>>>> ideas and democratic participation in a knowledge society, all >>>>>>>>>>>> stakeholders involved need to work together." >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT >>>>>>>>>>>>> policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR >>>>>>>>>>>>> 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! >>>>>>>>>>>>> '{print $3}' >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >>>>>>>>>>>>> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For >>>>>>>>>>>>> instructions, seehttp://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>>>>>>> anrietteesterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, >>>>>>>>>> association for progressive communicationswww.apc.org po box >>>>>>>>>> 29755, melville 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>>>>> -- >>>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>>>> anrietteesterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, association >>>>>>> for progressive communicationswww.apc.org po box 29755, melville >>>>>>> 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>> ____________________________________________________________ >>> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >>> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >>> To be removed from the list, visit: >>> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >>> >>> For all other list information and functions, see: >>> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >>> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >>> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >>> >>> Translate this email:http://translate.google.com/translate_t >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> To be removed from the list, visit: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >> >> For all other list information and functions, see: >> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >> >> Translate this email:http://translate.google.com/translate_t -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From pranesh at cis-india.org Sat Mar 15 01:48:30 2014 From: pranesh at cis-india.org (Pranesh Prakash) Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 01:48:30 -0400 Subject: Fwd: Re: [] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <532337AB.20703@acm.org> References: <5322F7E5.4070308@itforchange.net> <5322FEDE.2060402@itforchange.net> <532337AB.20703@acm.org> Message-ID: <5323E9AE.8060205@cis-india.org> Avri Doria [2014-03-14 13:08]: > "When one starts to consider the responsibilities of each of these roles > one finds that the responsibilities also vary over issues, time and are > subject to the phase of a process." > > http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/discussion-of-principles-related-to-stakeholder-roles-and-responsibilities/201 > > So yes, stakeholders, qua being stakeholders, are equal in my analysis. > But their roles vary according to issue, phase of discussion, process > and many other features. Sometimes one stakeholder group holds the > primary deciding responsibility and sometimes others do. But all always > have an equal right to be heard as part of the process. I've been trying to understand this for a while, but haven't found literature that directly addresses it: What are the roles and responsibilities of religious groups and trade unions and political parties vis-a-vis Internet governance, and why are they so under-represented (if at all represented) in "civil society"? Don't these embody the "networks of civic engagement" fostered by "civil associations" that constitute "civil society"? On a separate note: Does APC have any members that are trade unions or religious groups or political parties? (This is not a rhetorical question.) Did CPSR have or does IGC have representatives from such groups? I can't find any while looking at ISOC's membership. (Perhaps the last might be explained away if we think of ISOC as not constituting a part of "civil society" for whatever reasons.) -- Pranesh Prakash Policy Director, Centre for Internet and Society T: +91 80 40926283 | W: http://cis-india.org ------------------- Access to Knowledge Fellow, Information Society Project, Yale Law School M: +1 520 314 7147 | W: http://yaleisp.org PGP ID: 0x1D5C5F07 | Twitter: https://twitter.com/pranesh_prakash -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 884 bytes Desc: OpenPGP digital signature URL: From wjdrake at gmail.com Sat Mar 15 07:23:02 2014 From: wjdrake at gmail.com (William Drake) Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 12:23:02 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] against all odds In-Reply-To: References: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> <53237B16.1060202@wzb.eu> Message-ID: <76B8A695-5263-43E7-A27C-C57770D30D51@gmail.com> Hi ICANN Singapore starts next week, and this will be the focus of many discussions, beginning with the NCUC conference on Friday 21, at which Larry S. is keynoting. People begin to travel there early next week, and D.C. beltway types will quick to react. So the timing seems sensible enough. It might be fun to now go back and read some of the adamant statements made on these lists over the past few months about the Net Mundial being part of a secret plot to preserve the status quo etc. Cheers Bill On Mar 14, 2014, at 11:07 PM, Renata Avila wrote: > Friday night. Interesting timing. > > On 14 Mar 2014 22:56, "Jeanette Hofmann" wrote: > And here comes the update: > > http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2014/ntia-announces-intent-transition-key-internet-domain-name-functions. > > > Am 14.03.14 22:44, schrieb Jeanette Hofmann: > > > http://wapo.st/1eBBpGr > > More to follow I guess. > > Jeanette > > __ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From wjdrake at gmail.com Sat Mar 15 13:39:25 2014 From: wjdrake at gmail.com (William Drake) Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 18:39:25 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] against all odds In-Reply-To: <76B8A695-5263-43E7-A27C-C57770D30D51@gmail.com> References: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> <53237B16.1060202@wzb.eu> <76B8A695-5263-43E7-A27C-C57770D30D51@gmail.com> Message-ID: <3362A131-5F5A-4B0A-A89F-C85275BBCC62@gmail.com> Actually it turns out the timing was advanced from Monday to Friday evening by a press leak. But Monday should still be interesting, a lot of statements getting readied for roll out. Bill On Mar 15, 2014, at 12:23 PM, William Drake wrote: > Hi > > ICANN Singapore starts next week, and this will be the focus of many discussions, beginning with the NCUC conference on Friday 21, at which Larry S. is keynoting. People begin to travel there early next week, and D.C. beltway types will quick to react. So the timing seems sensible enough. > > It might be fun to now go back and read some of the adamant statements made on these lists over the past few months about the Net Mundial being part of a secret plot to preserve the status quo etc. > > Cheers > > Bill > > On Mar 14, 2014, at 11:07 PM, Renata Avila wrote: > >> Friday night. Interesting timing. >> >> On 14 Mar 2014 22:56, "Jeanette Hofmann" wrote: >> And here comes the update: >> >> http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2014/ntia-announces-intent-transition-key-internet-domain-name-functions. >> >> >> Am 14.03.14 22:44, schrieb Jeanette Hofmann: >> >> >> http://wapo.st/1eBBpGr >> >> More to follow I guess. >> >> Jeanette >> >> __ *********************************************** William J. Drake International Fellow & Lecturer Media Change & Innovation Division, IPMZ University of Zurich, Switzerland Chair, Noncommercial Users Constituency, ICANN, www.ncuc.org william.drake at uzh.ch (direct), wjdrake at gmail.com (lists), www.williamdrake.org *********************************************** -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From anriette at apc.org Sat Mar 15 14:04:40 2014 From: anriette at apc.org (Anriette Esterhuysen) Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 20:04:40 +0200 Subject: [bestbits] NTIA announcment In-Reply-To: <3362A131-5F5A-4B0A-A89F-C85275BBCC62@gmail.com> References: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> <53237B16.1060202@wzb.eu> <76B8A695-5263-43E7-A27C-C57770D30D51@gmail.com> <3362A131-5F5A-4B0A-A89F-C85275BBCC62@gmail.com> Message-ID: <53249638.8010105@apc.org> Hi all Here is the press release APC put out earlier today. What are the plans for a reaction from Best Bits? http://www.apc.org/en/node/19068 Anriette JOHANNESBURG, Mar 15 (APCNews) PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *APC welcomes NTIA announcement on transition of key internet domain name functions* 14 March 2014 – The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) welcomes the announcement made by the United States Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of its ‘intent to transition key internet domain name functions to the global multi-stakeholder community .' NTIA’s responsibility under current agreements means it has served as the “historic steward” of the DNS (internet domain name system). The fact that a single government currently plays this role, even if it has not been a particularly “hands-on” role, has been cause for concern and debate among governments and other stakeholders for more than a decade. We commend the NTIA for committing to the transition to a multi-stakeholder process that needs full involvement of civil society, governments, business and the internet technical community (to mention just some of the current stakeholders affected by internet decision making) and for requiring that the resulting transition plan maintains the openness of the internet. “This is however not trivial, as mechanisms for ensuring really effective and inclusive participation of all stakeholders on equal footing in internet policy making, particularly those that currently lack power and influence, are still evolving. A further challenge lies in how to protect the broadest possible public interest in decisions about DNS and internet root zone management,” said APC Executive Director Anriette Esterhuysen. “Nevertheless, this is a very constructive step, definitely in the right direction, and a unique opportunity to make progress in the evolution of the internet governance ecosystem. This is particularly important for stakeholders from developing countries,” she added. We recommend that ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), to which the NTIA is entrusting the development of the transition plan, look beyond its own internal multi-stakeholder processes in bringing together the larger community for the necessary consultations on how this transition should be undertaken. We also recommend that ICANN consider the submissions about how this transition can take place that were made to the upcoming NetMundial: Global Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance ‒ www.netmundial.br ‒ to be held in Brazil in late April 2014. APC’s proposals can be read here About APC The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is an international network and non-profit organisation founded in 1990 that wants everyone to have access to a free and open internet to improve lives and create a more just world. Since its formation in 1990 the APC network and its members have been committed to achieving universal and affordable access to a free and open internet. Press contacts Anriette Esterhuysen, APC Executive Director – anriette at apc.org Valeria Betancourt, APC Policy Manager – valeriab at apc.org Avri Doria, APC affiliate – avri at acm.org PO Box 29755 Melville, GT 2109 South Africa (END/2014) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mars.techno.cat at gmail.com Sat Mar 15 14:05:12 2014 From: mars.techno.cat at gmail.com (Techno CAT) Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 13:05:12 -0500 Subject: [bestbits] USA NTIA Walks Away from the ISOC ICANN MSH MLM .ORGy Message-ID: USA NTIA Walks Away from the ISOC ICANN MSH MLM .ORGy Americans are not accustomed to their telecommunication systems being run [controlled] by unsavory psychos and amateur jack-booted thugs. It should be no surprise that USA government leaders would opt to sever their ties [and endorsements] with the IANA Eco.System. Some people [control freaks] will jump at the chance to flock to the IANA Eco.System meetups, meetings, lovefests, BOFs, etc. Other people will now have a clear choice. Some may even try to play in both games. That will likely get to be more difficult. The two value systems are distinctly different. As an example, African Americans do not likely flock to KKK meetings. The US Government also does not go there [openly]. Just substitute KKK or MAFIA for the IANA Eco.System and you may see why some people prefer NOT to be part of that movement. USA NTIA Walks Away from the ISOC ICANN MSH MLM .ORGy -- 3DNB - Real Banking for Your VIRTUAL Worlds http://3DNB.COM Login: ZOOM Password: BOX @Techno_CAT_r http://Twitter.com/Techno_CAT_r From genekimmelman at gmail.com Sat Mar 15 14:15:09 2014 From: genekimmelman at gmail.com (Gene Kimmelman) Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 14:15:09 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] NTIA announcment In-Reply-To: <53249638.8010105@apc.org> References: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> <53237B16.1060202@wzb.eu> <76B8A695-5263-43E7-A27C-C57770D30D51@gmail.com> <3362A131-5F5A-4B0A-A89F-C85275BBCC62@gmail.com> <53249638.8010105@apc.org> Message-ID: I really like the APC release. Rather than recreating the wheel, I suggest we pull out the portions best suited to a broad CS statement, worded in the style folks are most comfortable with, and seek quick signatories. It would be great to get something to the outside world Monday (or soon thereafter) On Mar 15, 2014, at 2:04 PM, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > Hi all > > Here is the press release APC put out earlier today. What are the plans for a reaction from Best Bits? > http://www.apc.org/en/node/19068 > > Anriette > > JOHANNESBURG, Mar 15 (APCNews) > > PRESS STATEMENT > FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE > > APC welcomes NTIA announcement on transition of key internet domain name functions > > 14 March 2014 – The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) welcomes the announcement made by the United States Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of its ‘intent to transition key internet domain name functions to the global multi-stakeholder community.' > > NTIA’s responsibility under current agreements means it has served as the “historic steward” of the DNS (internet domain name system). The fact that a single government currently plays this role, even if it has not been a particularly “hands-on” role, has been cause for concern and debate among governments and other stakeholders for more than a decade. > > We commend the NTIA for committing to the transition to a multi-stakeholder process that needs full involvement of civil society, governments, business and the internet technical community (to mention just some of the current stakeholders affected by internet decision making) and for requiring that the resulting transition plan maintains the openness of the internet. > > “This is however not trivial, as mechanisms for ensuring really effective and inclusive participation of all stakeholders on equal footing in internet policy making, particularly those that currently lack power and influence, are still evolving. A further challenge lies in how to protect the broadest possible public interest in decisions about DNS and internet root zone management,” said APC Executive Director Anriette Esterhuysen. “Nevertheless, this is a very constructive step, definitely in the right direction, and a unique opportunity to make progress in the evolution of the internet governance ecosystem. This is particularly important for stakeholders from developing countries,” she added. > > We recommend that ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), to which the NTIA is entrusting the development of the transition plan, look beyond its own internal multi-stakeholder processes in bringing together the larger community for the necessary consultations on how this transition should be undertaken. We also recommend that ICANN consider the submissions about how this transition can take place that were made to the upcoming NetMundial: Global Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance ‒ www.netmundial.br ‒ to be held in Brazil in late April 2014. > > APC’s proposals can be read here > > About APC > The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is an international network and non-profit organisation founded in 1990 that wants everyone to have access to a free and open internet to improve lives and create a more just world. Since its formation in 1990 the APC network and its members have been committed to achieving universal and affordable access to a free and open internet. > > Press contacts > Anriette Esterhuysen, APC Executive Director – anriette at apc.org > Valeria Betancourt, APC Policy Manager – valeriab at apc.org > Avri Doria, APC affiliate – avri at acm.org > PO Box 29755 > Melville, GT 2109 > South Africa > > (END/2014) > > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. > To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: > http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ian.peter at ianpeter.com Tue Mar 4 15:20:20 2014 From: ian.peter at ianpeter.com (Ian Peter) Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2014 07:20:20 +1100 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <53163174.40400@wzb.eu> References: <53163174.40400@wzb.eu> Message-ID: <7AD7AC6852E64A71BB72973D903871A0@Toshiba> works for me -----Original Message----- From: Jeanette Hofmann Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 7:03 AM To: Jeremy Malcolm ; bestbits at lists.bestbits.net> Cc: Civil Society Internet Governance Caucus - IGC ; discuss at 1net.org Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net "Error establishing a database connection" jeanette Am 04.03.2014 21:00, schrieb Jeremy Malcolm: > Dear all, > > With thanks to everyone for their hard work on the drafts, we are now > simultaneously launching three submissions for the NETmundial meeting. > These submissions are the end results of extensive discussions on the > Best Bits lists going back to last year, with a final face-to-face > review this week (particularly on the roadmap for further evolution of > the institutional submission) by those of you who are present at > RightsCon in San Francisco. > > The three complementary submissions, all of which are open for > endorsement separately, are: > > 1. Internet governance principles, > http://bestbits.net/netmundial-principles/ > 2. Roadmap for the Further Evolution of the Internet Governance > Ecosystem – institutional mechanisms, > http://bestbits.net/netmundial-roadmap/ > 3. Roadmap for the Further Evolution of the Internet Governance > Ecosystem – ICANN, http://bestbits.net/netmundial-icann/ > > > These will be formally submitted to NETmundial on 8 March 2014, but > between now and then we are gathering as many endorsements for each of > the statements as we can. So please I would encourage everyone to read > the statements, to endorse each of them separately (if you agree with > them, of course), and then to spread the word through social media, > email or word of mouth. > > Thanks again to everyone involved, and we really hope to see your > endorsement on each of the submissions soon. > > -- > Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com > Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek > host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk -F! > '{print $3}' > > WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended > to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see > http://jere.my/l/pgp. > ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: governance at lists.igcaucus.org To be removed from the list, visit: http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing For all other list information and functions, see: http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: http://www.igcaucus.org/ Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t From wjdrake at gmail.com Sat Mar 15 14:31:30 2014 From: wjdrake at gmail.com (William Drake) Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 19:31:30 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] NTIA announcment In-Reply-To: References: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> <53237B16.1060202@wzb.eu> <76B8A695-5263-43E7-A27C-C57770D30D51@gmail.com> <3362A131-5F5A-4B0A-A89F-C85275BBCC62@gmail.com> <53249638.8010105@apc.org> Message-ID: <7ED858F5-DCAC-4255-A39B-5B823DA72AE6@gmail.com> +1 A BB statement Monday would be a good thing, there will be push back from opponents of change and CS support would be helpful. BD On Mar 15, 2014, at 7:15 PM, Gene Kimmelman wrote: > I really like the APC release. Rather than recreating the wheel, I suggest we pull out the portions best suited to a broad CS statement, worded in the style folks are most comfortable with, and seek quick signatories. It would be great to get something to the outside world Monday (or soon thereafter) > On Mar 15, 2014, at 2:04 PM, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > >> Hi all >> >> Here is the press release APC put out earlier today. What are the plans for a reaction from Best Bits? >> http://www.apc.org/en/node/19068 >> >> Anriette >> >> JOHANNESBURG, Mar 15 (APCNews) >> >> PRESS STATEMENT >> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE >> >> APC welcomes NTIA announcement on transition of key internet domain name functions >> >> 14 March 2014 – The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) welcomes the announcement made by the United States Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of its ‘intent to transition key internet domain name functions to the global multi-stakeholder community.' >> >> NTIA’s responsibility under current agreements means it has served as the “historic steward” of the DNS (internet domain name system). The fact that a single government currently plays this role, even if it has not been a particularly “hands-on” role, has been cause for concern and debate among governments and other stakeholders for more than a decade. >> >> We commend the NTIA for committing to the transition to a multi-stakeholder process that needs full involvement of civil society, governments, business and the internet technical community (to mention just some of the current stakeholders affected by internet decision making) and for requiring that the resulting transition plan maintains the openness of the internet. >> >> “This is however not trivial, as mechanisms for ensuring really effective and inclusive participation of all stakeholders on equal footing in internet policy making, particularly those that currently lack power and influence, are still evolving. A further challenge lies in how to protect the broadest possible public interest in decisions about DNS and internet root zone management,” said APC Executive Director Anriette Esterhuysen. “Nevertheless, this is a very constructive step, definitely in the right direction, and a unique opportunity to make progress in the evolution of the internet governance ecosystem. This is particularly important for stakeholders from developing countries,” she added. >> >> We recommend that ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), to which the NTIA is entrusting the development of the transition plan, look beyond its own internal multi-stakeholder processes in bringing together the larger community for the necessary consultations on how this transition should be undertaken. We also recommend that ICANN consider the submissions about how this transition can take place that were made to the upcoming NetMundial: Global Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance ‒ www.netmundial.br ‒ to be held in Brazil in late April 2014. >> >> APC’s proposals can be read here >> >> About APC >> The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is an international network and non-profit organisation founded in 1990 that wants everyone to have access to a free and open internet to improve lives and create a more just world. Since its formation in 1990 the APC network and its members have been committed to achieving universal and affordable access to a free and open internet. >> >> Press contacts >> Anriette Esterhuysen, APC Executive Director – anriette at apc.org >> Valeria Betancourt, APC Policy Manager – valeriab at apc.org >> Avri Doria, APC affiliate – avri at acm.org >> PO Box 29755 >> Melville, GT 2109 >> South Africa >> >> (END/2014) >> >> >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. >> To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: >> http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits > *********************************************** William J. Drake International Fellow & Lecturer Media Change & Innovation Division, IPMZ University of Zurich, Switzerland Chair, Noncommercial Users Constituency, ICANN, www.ncuc.org william.drake at uzh.ch (direct), wjdrake at gmail.com (lists), www.williamdrake.org *********************************************** -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gurstein at gmail.com Sat Mar 15 14:47:45 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 11:47:45 -0700 Subject: [bestbits] NTIA announcment In-Reply-To: <7ED858F5-DCAC-4255-A39B-5B823DA72AE6@gmail.com> References: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> <53237B16.1060202@wzb.eu> <76B8A695-5263-43E7-A27C-C57770D30D51@gmail.com> <3362A131-5F5A-4B0A-A89F-C85275BBCC62@gmail.com> <53249638.8010105@apc.org> <7ED858F5-DCAC-4255-A39B-5B823DA72AE6@gmail.com> Message-ID: <0b3f01cf407f$0e47e250$2ad7a6f0$@gmail.com> Am I the only one who reads the NTIA statement as trading off something which is not of core interest i.e. control over the DNS function (it can’t under any but the most extraordinary circumstances be used in any case), for something that seems t be of fundamental and core interest i.e. implanting Multi-stakeholderism at the very heart of the emerging mechanisms/institutions of global (Internet) Governance. So the question is, why does the USG see (a still undefined) “multi-stakeholderism” as being so important? M BD On Mar 15, 2014, at 7:15 PM, Gene Kimmelman wrote: I really like the APC release. Rather than recreating the wheel, I suggest we pull out the portions best suited to a broad CS statement, worded in the style folks are most comfortable with, and seek quick signatories. It would be great to get something to the outside world Monday (or soon thereafter) On Mar 15, 2014, at 2:04 PM, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: Hi all Here is the press release APC put out earlier today. What are the plans for a reaction from Best Bits? http://www.apc.org/en/node/19068 Anriette JOHANNESBURG, Mar 15 (APCNews) PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APC welcomes NTIA announcement on transition of key internet domain name functions 14 March 2014 – The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) welcomes the announcement made by the United States Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of its ‘intent to transition key internet domain name functions to the global multi-stakeholder community .' NTIA’s responsibility under current agreements means it has served as the “historic steward” of the DNS (internet domain name system). The fact that a single government currently plays this role, even if it has not been a particularly “hands-on” role, has been cause for concern and debate among governments and other stakeholders for more than a decade. We commend the NTIA for committing to the transition to a multi-stakeholder process that needs full involvement of civil society, governments, business and the internet technical community (to mention just some of the current stakeholders affected by internet decision making) and for requiring that the resulting transition plan maintains the openness of the internet. “This is however not trivial, as mechanisms for ensuring really effective and inclusive participation of all stakeholders on equal footing in internet policy making, particularly those that currently lack power and influence, are still evolving. A further challenge lies in how to protect the broadest possible public interest in decisions about DNS and internet root zone management,” said APC Executive Director Anriette Esterhuysen. “Nevertheless, this is a very constructive step, definitely in the right direction, and a unique opportunity to make progress in the evolution of the internet governance ecosystem. This is particularly important for stakeholders from developing countries,” she added. We recommend that ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), to which the NTIA is entrusting the development of the transition plan, look beyond its own internal multi-stakeholder processes in bringing together the larger community for the necessary consultations on how this transition should be undertaken. We also recommend that ICANN consider the submissions about how this transition can take place that were made to the upcoming NetMundial: Global Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance ‒ www.netmundial.br ‒ to be held in Brazil in late April 2014. APC’s proposals can be read here About APC The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is an international network and non-profit organisation founded in 1990 that wants everyone to have access to a free and open internet to improve lives and create a more just world. Since its formation in 1990 the APC network and its members have been committed to achieving universal and affordable access to a free and open internet. Press contacts Anriette Esterhuysen, APC Executive Director – anriette at apc.org Valeria Betancourt, APC Policy Manager – valeriab at apc.org Avri Doria, APC affiliate – avri at acm.org PO Box 29755 Melville, GT 2109 South Africa (END/2014) ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits *********************************************** William J. Drake International Fellow & Lecturer Media Change & Innovation Division, IPMZ University of Zurich, Switzerland Chair, Noncommercial Users Constituency, ICANN, www.ncuc.org william.drake at uzh.ch (direct), wjdrake at gmail.com (lists), www.williamdrake.org *********************************************** -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From anriette at apc.org Sat Mar 15 15:02:08 2014 From: anriette at apc.org (Anriette Esterhuysen) Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 21:02:08 +0200 Subject: [bestbits] NTIA announcment In-Reply-To: <7ED858F5-DCAC-4255-A39B-5B823DA72AE6@gmail.com> References: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> <53237B16.1060202@wzb.eu> <76B8A695-5263-43E7-A27C-C57770D30D51@gmail.com> <3362A131-5F5A-4B0A-A89F-C85275BBCC62@gmail.com> <53249638.8010105@apc.org> <7ED858F5-DCAC-4255-A39B-5B823DA72AE6@gmail.com> Message-ID: <5324A3B0.8070205@apc.org> Here is a version that could be used as a basis for the Best Bits statement. I added a note about this being 'just one' step towards more inclusive and accountable governance, even if a significant step. Personally I think that the really interesting, but also challenging outcome of this is that it means we need to rethink the NetMundial Agenda and what we really want to get out of it. What is so good though is that the conversation with governments, and private institutions, the technical community etc. can now focus on the substance of how decisions are made, and how participation is ensured, and accountability and transparency maintained, and what principles are used in making these decisions. The location of ICANN in the US and the relationship with the US has been a bottleneck in talking about 'enhanced coopration' etc. etc. This is not going to make it easier. The challenge of dealing with governments who desire more control, and those nongovernmental institutions involved in inernet governance who are not sufficiently accountable, and not operating based on commonly understood public interest and rights-based principles, remain.. and is even greater actually. And a further challenge will be to ensure that ICANN, while I think has been positively proactive, and in some senses opportunistic (which is not a bad thing) since the NSA revelation, does not, riding on increased legitimacy, unduly expand its scope, reach, power. Anriette *DRAFT Best Bits welcomes NTIA announcement on transition of key internet domain name functions* Members of the Best Bits coalition welcome the announcement made by the United States Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of its ‘intent to transition key internet domain name functions to the global multi-stakeholder community .'** NTIA’s responsibility under current agreements means it has served as the “historic steward” of the DNS (internet domain name system). The fact that a single government currently plays this role, even if it has not been a particularly “hands-on” role, has been cause for concern and debate among governments and other stakeholders for more than a decade. We commend the NTIA for committing to the transition to a multi-stakeholder process that needs full involvement of civil society, governments, business and the internet technical community (to mention just some of the current stakeholders affected by internet decision making) and for requiring that the resulting transition plan maintains the openness of the internet. This is however not trivial, as mechanisms for democratising internet governance, and ensuring really effective and inclusive participation of all who are affected by internet policy making and standard setting are still evolving. A transition away from US government oversight does not in itself guarantee inclusion, transparency and accountability or protection of the public interest in the management of DNS and the root zone. Nevertheless, this is a very constructive step, definitely in the right direction, and a unique opportunity to make progress in the evolution of the internet governance ecosystem. This is particularly important for stakeholders from developing countries. We recommend that ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), to which the NTIA is entrusting the development of the transition plan, look beyond its own internal multi-stakeholder processes in bringing together the larger community for the necessary consultations on how this transition should be undertaken. We also recommend that ICANN consider the submissions about how this transition can take place that were made to the upcoming NetMundial: Global Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance ‒ www.netmundial.br ‒ to be held in Brazil in late April 2014. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kichango at gmail.com Sat Mar 15 17:10:42 2014 From: kichango at gmail.com (Mawaki Chango) Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 21:10:42 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 Message-ID: Dear All, Please find a draft of the above subject for your consideration and possible revisions. This is just a first crack attempted considering the speed of the events. I'm cc'ing BB as a peer organization with same concerns. We would appreciate your inputs by Monday noon, UTC. --- IGC Draft Press Release On March 14, U.S. Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced its intent to relinquish the oversight role it has played so far with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) regarding key Internet domain name functions. As the announcement points out, this marks the final phase of the transition intended from the inception of ICANN toward the privatization of the domain name system (DNS) and its stewardship. The Internet Governance Caucus (IGC) welcomes this decision and appreciates the opportunity to further evolve toward an equitable multistakeholder policymaking model for the governance of the Internet. In that regard, IGC pays a particular attention to the reiteration by NTIA of the necessity to involve all stakeholders in the process as well as in the desired outcome for fully completing the above transition. [If deemed relevant by members and subject to what the following actually entails: "Meet the needs and expectation of the global customers and partners of the IANA services"] We also support the four principles put forward by NTIA to guide ICANN and the global Internet community in the formulation of a proposal to finalize this transition. While acknowledging the primary role of Internet organizations and technical standard-setting bodies, IGC wishes to call attention to the utmost importance of giving due consideration to the concerns and views of non-technical and non-commercial stakeholders in Internet policies. Indeed IGC supports the multistakeholder policymaking model to the extent that it does not contradict the ideals of democracy, including due consideration to the rights of minorities (in the context of Internet policy). It will be a constant challenge to make sure the term 'multistakeholder' is not reduced to mean 'anti-all-governments-of-the-world' but is rather open to embrace a 'pro-all-peoples-of-the-world' meaning. Furthermore, a great deal of care should be given to designing the appropriate accountability mechanisms that fits a truly global governance institution - with a constituency and a customer base that actually is global. Related to that and more broadly, adequate responses must be found to the concern that while achieving effective accountability such institution (to emerge from this transition) should not be subject to any one national jurisdiction at the exclusion of others. It must be equally available and accessible to all Internet stakeholders. Since ICANN is one of the co-conveners of the upcoming NETMundial, the Global Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance (www.netmundial.br) to be held in Brazil this April, we advise that it includes in its consultation process for the transition proposal the propositions made in submissions, proceedings and outcomes of that meeting as regards the phasing out of the current role played by NTIA in the coordination of the Internet's domain name system. The Internet Governance Caucus March xx, 2014. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jeanette at wzb.eu Sat Mar 15 18:11:45 2014 From: jeanette at wzb.eu (Jeanette Hofmann) Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 23:11:45 +0100 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] NTIA announcment In-Reply-To: <5324A3B0.8070205@apc.org> References: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> <53237B16.1060202@wzb.eu> <76B8A695-5263-43E7-A27C-C57770D30D51@gmail.com> <3362A131-5F5A-4B0A-A89F-C85275BBCC62@gmail.com> <53249638.8010105@apc.org> <7ED858F5-DCAC-4255-A39B-5B823DA72AE6@gmail.com> <5324A3B0.8070205@apc.org> Message-ID: <5324D021.7080706@wzb.eu> Hi Anriette, why do you think we need to rethink the agenda for NetMundial? Hasn't the future of the IANA functions always been part of it? jeanette > Personally I think that the really interesting, but also challenging > outcome of this is that it means we need to rethink the NetMundial > Agenda and what we really want to get out of it. > > What is so good though is that the conversation with governments, and > private institutions, the technical community etc. can now focus on the > substance of how decisions are made, and how participation is ensured, > and accountability and transparency maintained, and what principles are > used in making these decisions. > > The location of ICANN in the US and the relationship with the US has > been a bottleneck in talking about 'enhanced coopration' etc. etc. This > is not going to make it easier. > > The challenge of dealing with governments who desire more control, and > those nongovernmental institutions involved in inernet governance who > are not sufficiently accountable, and not operating based on commonly > understood public interest and rights-based principles, remain.. and is > even greater actually. And a further challenge will be to ensure that > ICANN, while I think has been positively proactive, and in some senses > opportunistic (which is not a bad thing) since the NSA revelation, does > not, riding on increased legitimacy, unduly expand its scope, reach, power. > > Anriette > > > *DRAFT Best Bits welcomes NTIA announcement on transition of key > internet domain name functions* > > Members of the Best Bits coalition welcome the announcement made by the > United States Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and > Information Administration (NTIA) of its ‘intent to transition key > internet domain name functions to the global multi-stakeholder community > .'** > > NTIA’s responsibility under current agreements means it has served as > the “historic steward” of the DNS (internet domain name system). The > fact that a single government currently plays this role, even if it has > not been a particularly “hands-on” role, has been cause for concern and > debate among governments and other stakeholders for more than a decade. > > We commend the NTIA for committing to the transition to a > multi-stakeholder process that needs full involvement of civil society, > governments, business and the internet technical community (to mention > just some of the current stakeholders affected by internet decision > making) and for requiring that the resulting transition plan maintains > the openness of the internet. > > This is however not trivial, as mechanisms for democratising internet > governance, and ensuring really effective and inclusive participation of > all who are affected by internet policy making and standard setting are > still evolving. A transition away from US government oversight does not > in itself guarantee inclusion, transparency and accountability or > protection of the public interest in the management of DNS and the root > zone. Nevertheless, this is a very constructive step, definitely in the > right direction, and a unique opportunity to make progress in the > evolution of the internet governance ecosystem. This is particularly > important for stakeholders from developing countries. > > We recommend that ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and > Numbers), to which the NTIA is entrusting the development of the > transition plan, look beyond its own internal multi-stakeholder > processes in bringing together the larger community for the necessary > consultations on how this transition should be undertaken. We also > recommend that ICANN consider the submissions about how this transition > can take place that were made to the upcoming NetMundial: Global Meeting > on the Future of Internet Governance ‒ www.netmundial.br > ‒ to be held in Brazil in late April 2014. From ian.peter at ianpeter.com Sat Mar 15 19:15:47 2014 From: ian.peter at ianpeter.com (Ian Peter) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 10:15:47 +1100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5800F791D3D64A5FA6894D71AD81A110@Toshiba> Hi Mawaki, good start. I think some sections are repetitive and it may be too long. So in my thinking I have square bracketed some sections below and also have a few in line comments and suggested alternatives From: Mawaki Chango Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2014 8:10 AM To: Internet Governance Cc: Deirdre Williams ; mailto:bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 Dear All, Please find a draft of the above subject for your consideration and possible revisions. This is just a first crack attempted considering the speed of the events. I'm cc'ing BB as a peer organization with same concerns. We would appreciate your inputs by Monday noon, UTC. --- IGC Draft Press Release On March 14, U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced its intent to relinquish the oversight role it has played so far with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) regarding key Internet domain name functions. [As the announcement points out, this marks the final phase of the transition intended from the inception of ICANN toward the privatization of the domain name system (DNS) and its stewardship]. The Internet Governance Caucus (IGC) welcomes this decision and appreciates the opportunity to further evolve toward an equitable multistakeholder policymaking model for [ 1. the governance of the Internet] [IP –2. these functions]. In that regard, IGC pays [a] particular attention to the reiteration by NTIA of the necessity to involve all stakeholders in the process as well as in the desired outcome for fully completing the above transition. [If deemed relevant by members and subject to what the following actually entails: “Meet the needs and expectation of the global customers and partners of the IANA services”] We also support the four principles put forward by NTIA to guide ICANN and the global Internet community in the formulation of a proposal to finalize this transition]. IP I would leave last bracketed section out While acknowledging the [primary] role of Internet organizations and technical standard-setting bodies, IGC wishes to call attention to the utmost importance of giving due consideration to the concerns and views of non-technical and non-commercial stakeholders in Internet policies. Indeed IGC supports the multistakeholder policymaking model to the extent that it does not contradict the ideals of democracy, including due consideration to the rights of minorities (in the context of Internet policy). It will be a constant challenge to make sure the term ‘multistakeholder’ is not reduced to mean ‘anti-all-governments-of-the-world’ [ IP or“private sector led”] but is rather open to embrace a ‘pro-all-peoples-of-the-world’ meaning. Furthermore, a great deal of care should be given to designing the appropriate accountability mechanisms that fit a truly global governance institution – with a constituency and a customer base that actually is global.[ Related to that and more broadly adequate responses must be found to the concern that while achieving effective accountability such institution (to emerge from this transition) should not be subject to any one national jurisdiction at the exclusion of others. It must be equally available and accessible to all Internet stakeholders]. [Since ICANN is one of the co-conveners of the upcoming NETMundial, the Global Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance (www.netmundial.br) to be held in Brazil this April, we advise that it includes in its consultation process for the transition proposal the propositions made in submissions, proceedings and outcomes of that meeting as regards the phasing out of the current role played by NTIA in the coordination of the Internet’s domain name system]. The Internet Governance Caucus March xx, 2014. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: governance at lists.igcaucus.org To be removed from the list, visit: http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing For all other list information and functions, see: http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: http://www.igcaucus.org/ Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mgodwin at INTERNEWS.ORG Sat Mar 15 20:15:35 2014 From: mgodwin at INTERNEWS.ORG (Mike Godwin (mgodwin@INTERNEWS.ORG)) Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 20:15:35 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] NTIA announcment In-Reply-To: References: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> <53237B16.1060202@wzb.eu> <76B8A695-5263-43E7-A27C-C57770D30D51@gmail.com> <3362A131-5F5A-4B0A-A89F-C85275BBCC62@gmail.com> <53249638.8010105@apc.org> Message-ID: +1 Gene has this right. -- Mike Godwin | Senior Legal Advisor, Global Internet Policy Project mgodwin at internews.org | Mobile 415-793-4446 Skype mnemonic1026 Address 1601 R Street NW, 2nd Floor Washington, DC 20009 USA INTERNEWS | Local Voices. Global Change. www.internews.org | @internews | facebook.com/internews From: Gene Kimmelman > Reply-To: Gene Kimmelman > Date: Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 2:15 PM To: "anriette at apc.org Esterhuysen" > Cc: "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" >, William Drake >, Renata Avila >, Jeanette Hofmann >, Best Bits > Subject: Re: [bestbits] NTIA announcment I really like the APC release. Rather than recreating the wheel, I suggest we pull out the portions best suited to a broad CS statement, worded in the style folks are most comfortable with, and seek quick signatories. It would be great to get something to the outside world Monday (or soon thereafter) On Mar 15, 2014, at 2:04 PM, Anriette Esterhuysen > wrote: Hi all Here is the press release APC put out earlier today. What are the plans for a reaction from Best Bits? http://www.apc.org/en/node/19068 Anriette JOHANNESBURG, Mar 15 (APCNews) PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APC welcomes NTIA announcement on transition of key internet domain name functions 14 March 2014 – The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) welcomes the announcement made by the United States Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of its ‘intent to transition key internet domain name functions to the global multi-stakeholder community.' NTIA’s responsibility under current agreements means it has served as the “historic steward” of the DNS (internet domain name system). The fact that a single government currently plays this role, even if it has not been a particularly “hands-on” role, has been cause for concern and debate among governments and other stakeholders for more than a decade. We commend the NTIA for committing to the transition to a multi-stakeholder process that needs full involvement of civil society, governments, business and the internet technical community (to mention just some of the current stakeholders affected by internet decision making) and for requiring that the resulting transition plan maintains the openness of the internet. “This is however not trivial, as mechanisms for ensuring really effective and inclusive participation of all stakeholders on equal footing in internet policy making, particularly those that currently lack power and influence, are still evolving. A further challenge lies in how to protect the broadest possible public interest in decisions about DNS and internet root zone management,” said APC Executive Director Anriette Esterhuysen. “Nevertheless, this is a very constructive step, definitely in the right direction, and a unique opportunity to make progress in the evolution of the internet governance ecosystem. This is particularly important for stakeholders from developing countries,” she added. We recommend that ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), to which the NTIA is entrusting the development of the transition plan, look beyond its own internal multi-stakeholder processes in bringing together the larger community for the necessary consultations on how this transition should be undertaken. We also recommend that ICANN consider the submissions about how this transition can take place that were made to the upcoming NetMundial: Global Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance ‒ www.netmundial.br ‒ to be held in Brazil in late April 2014. APC’s proposals can be read here About APC The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is an international network and non-profit organisation founded in 1990 that wants everyone to have access to a free and open internet to improve lives and create a more just world. Since its formation in 1990 the APC network and its members have been committed to achieving universal and affordable access to a free and open internet. Press contacts Anriette Esterhuysen, APC Executive Director – anriette at apc.org Valeria Betancourt, APC Policy Manager – valeriab at apc.org Avri Doria, APC affiliate – avri at acm.org PO Box 29755 Melville, GT 2109 South Africa (END/2014) ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits Click here to report this email as spam. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kichango at gmail.com Sat Mar 15 20:19:55 2014 From: kichango at gmail.com (Mawaki Chango) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 00:19:55 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 In-Reply-To: <5800F791D3D64A5FA6894D71AD81A110@Toshiba> References: <5800F791D3D64A5FA6894D71AD81A110@Toshiba> Message-ID: Hi Ian, On Sat, Mar 15, 2014 at 11:15 PM, Ian Peter wrote: > Hi Mawaki, > > > good start. > > I think some sections are repetitive and it may be too long. > I expected that one. Will wait till Monday morning to reviews the comments, suggestions or proposed edits before proposing a new draft. Thank you, mC > So in my thinking I have square bracketed some sections below and also > have a few in line comments and suggested alternatives > > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ian.peter at ianpeter.com Sat Mar 15 20:42:47 2014 From: ian.peter at ianpeter.com (Ian Peter) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 11:42:47 +1100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 In-Reply-To: <5800F791D3D64A5FA6894D71AD81A110@Toshiba> References: <5800F791D3D64A5FA6894D71AD81A110@Toshiba> Message-ID: <13BCD87FE58E4B7FA8F84F203701E533@Toshiba> Just to outline some of the issues behind some of my suggested changes ; 1. While happy to endorse “multistakeholder” as a step forward for these particular functions, I am not sure we want to endorse it as a one-size-fits-all model for all aspects of internet governance. Hence my first suggested change below. 2. I wouldn’t describe the role of technical organisations as “primary” – administrative perhaps? 3. Perhaps we can word better the section as regards meaning of multistakeholder and our concerns this could be a mask for dominance of certain groups. From: Ian Peter Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2014 10:15 AM To: Mawaki Chango ; Internet Governance Cc: Deirdre Williams ; bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 Hi Mawaki,good start. I think some sections are repetitive and it may be too long. So in my thinking I have square bracketed some sections below and also have a few in line comments and suggested alternatives. From: Mawaki Chango Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2014 8:10 AM To: Internet Governance Cc: Deirdre Williams ; mailto:bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 Dear All, Please find a draft of the above subject for your consideration and possible revisions. This is just a first crack attempted considering the speed of the events. I'm cc'ing BB as a peer organization with same concerns. We would appreciate your inputs by Monday noon, UTC. --- IGC Draft Press Release On March 14, U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced its intent to relinquish the oversight role it has played so far with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) regarding key Internet domain name functions. [As the announcement points out, this marks the final phase of the transition intended from the inception of ICANN toward the privatization of the domain name system (DNS) and its stewardship]. The Internet Governance Caucus (IGC) welcomes this decision and appreciates the opportunity to further evolve toward an equitable multistakeholder policymaking model for [ 1. the governance of the Internet] [IP –2. these functions]. In that regard, IGC pays [a] particular attention to the reiteration by NTIA of the necessity to involve all stakeholders in the process as well as in the desired outcome for fully completing the above transition. [If deemed relevant by members and subject to what the following actually entails: “Meet the needs and expectation of the global customers and partners of the IANA services”] We also support the four principles put forward by NTIA to guide ICANN and the global Internet community in the formulation of a proposal to finalize this transition]. IP I would leave last bracketed section out While acknowledging the [primary] role of Internet organizations and technical standard-setting bodies, IGC wishes to call attention to the utmost importance of giving due consideration to the concerns and views of non-technical and non-commercial stakeholders in Internet policies. Indeed IGC supports the multistakeholder policymaking model to the extent that it does not contradict the ideals of democracy, including due consideration to the rights of minorities (in the context of Internet policy). It will be a constant challenge to make sure the term ‘multistakeholder’ is not reduced to mean ‘anti-all-governments-of-the-world’ [ IP or“private sector led”] but is rather open to embrace a ‘pro-all-peoples-of-the-world’ meaning. Furthermore, a great deal of care should be given to designing the appropriate accountability mechanisms that fit a truly global governance institution – with a constituency and a customer base that actually is global.[ Related to that and more broadly adequate responses must be found to the concern that while achieving effective accountability such institution (to emerge from this transition) should not be subject to any one national jurisdiction at the exclusion of others. It must be equally available and accessible to all Internet stakeholders]. [Since ICANN is one of the co-conveners of the upcoming NETMundial, the Global Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance (www.netmundial.br) to be held in Brazil this April, we advise that it includes in its consultation process for the transition proposal the propositions made in submissions, proceedings and outcomes of that meeting as regards the phasing out of the current role played by NTIA in the coordination of the Internet’s domain name system]. The Internet Governance Caucus March xx, 2014. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: governance at lists.igcaucus.org To be removed from the list, visit: http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing For all other list information and functions, see: http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: http://www.igcaucus.org/ Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: governance at lists.igcaucus.org To be removed from the list, visit: http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing For all other list information and functions, see: http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: http://www.igcaucus.org/ Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au Sat Mar 15 21:53:08 2014 From: Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au (Jeremy Malcolm) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 09:53:08 +0800 Subject: [bestbits] NTIA announcment In-Reply-To: <5324A3B0.8070205@apc.org> References: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> <53237B16.1060202@wzb.eu> <76B8A695-5263-43E7-A27C-C57770D30D51@gmail.com> <3362A131-5F5A-4B0A-A89F-C85275BBCC62@gmail.com> <53249638.8010105@apc.org> <7ED858F5-DCAC-4255-A39B-5B823DA72AE6@gmail.com> <5324A3B0.8070205@apc.org> Message-ID: <3260E8E1-AE94-4F31-919D-D5280B9B646A@Malcolm.id.au> On 16 Mar 2014, at 3:02 am, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > DRAFT Best Bits welcomes NTIA announcement on transition of key internet domain name functions > > Members of the Best Bits coalition welcome the announcement made by the United States Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of its ‘intent to transition key internet domain name functions to the global multi-stakeholder community.' > > NTIA’s responsibility under current agreements means it has served as the “historic steward” of the DNS (internet domain name system). The fact that a single government currently plays this role, even if it has not been a particularly “hands-on” role, has been cause for concern and debate among governments and other stakeholders for more than a decade. > > We commend the NTIA for committing to the transition to a multi-stakeholder process that needs full involvement of civil society, governments, business and the internet technical community (to mention just some of the current stakeholders affected by internet decision making) and for requiring that the resulting transition plan maintains the openness of the internet. > > This is however not trivial, as mechanisms for democratising internet governance, and ensuring really effective and inclusive participation of all who are affected by internet policy making and standard setting are still evolving. A transition away from US government oversight does not in itself guarantee inclusion, transparency and accountability or protection of the public interest in the management of DNS and the root zone. Nevertheless, this is a very constructive step, definitely in the right direction, and a unique opportunity to make progress in the evolution of the internet governance ecosystem. This is particularly important for stakeholders from developing countries. > > We recommend that ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), to which the NTIA is entrusting the development of the transition plan, look beyond its own internal multi-stakeholder processes in bringing together the larger community for the necessary consultations on how this transition should be undertaken. We also recommend that ICANN consider the submissions about how this transition can take place that were made to the upcoming NetMundial: Global Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance ‒ www.netmundial.br ‒ to be held in Brazil in late April 2014. I support us releasing this statement for sign-on, and can have it online in the next few hours, after leaving some more time for any amendments to be suggested. Please follow up by 12pm Sunday GMT/UTC with any amendments if you can (ie. about 10 hours from now). Thanks Anriette. -- Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 204 bytes Desc: Message signed with OpenPGP using GPGMail URL: From Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au Tue Mar 4 21:53:48 2014 From: Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au (Jeremy Malcolm) Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2014 10:53:48 +0800 Subject: [bestbits] Please pre-register by today for NETmundial 2014 civil society coordination meeting Message-ID: <11EEE2C4-4785-4E45-81D2-96E85D898313@Malcolm.id.au> Dear all, If anyone has already registered to attend NETmundial 2014 in São Paulo on 23-24 April, but has not got funding to support their travel (and needs it), and if you have not yet also separately registered to attend the civil society coordination meeting on the preceding day (22 April) and indicated a need for funding, please do so today. The organisers of the coordination meeting aim to use the next week to try to sort out a list of people to whom travel funding can be extended, and to finalise this by 12 March when the official list of those accepted to attend the main NETmundial meeting will be released. Thanks. -- Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 204 bytes Desc: Message signed with OpenPGP using GPGMail URL: From kichango at gmail.com Sat Mar 15 21:55:14 2014 From: kichango at gmail.com (Mawaki Chango) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 01:55:14 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 In-Reply-To: <13BCD87FE58E4B7FA8F84F203701E533@Toshiba> References: <5800F791D3D64A5FA6894D71AD81A110@Toshiba> <13BCD87FE58E4B7FA8F84F203701E533@Toshiba> Message-ID: Thanks Ian for clarifying your rationale. That is useful. I would really suggest, though, to you or anyone who is willing to help to propose actual wording, for as you all probably know English is not my first language and often times I have to agonize over wording even more than it appears afterward in order to make sure I get the full meaning across. So please don't hesitate; this would be a welcomed relief. On the other hand, be assured I have no complex... if the correction being proposed doesn't not seem to acknowledge the original intent or misunderstands it, I'm able to explain and, if need be, defend the latter (not because it cannot be changed but to make sure it is changed only in full knowledge of the intent.) Thanks. On Sun, Mar 16, 2014 at 12:42 AM, Ian Peter wrote: > Just to outline some of the issues behind some of my suggested changes ; > > 1. While happy to endorse "multistakeholder" as a step forward for these > particular functions, I am not sure we want to endorse it as a > one-size-fits-all model for all aspects of internet governance. Hence my > first suggested change below. > > 2. I wouldn't describe the role of technical organisations as "primary" - > administrative perhaps? > > 3. Perhaps we can word better the section as regards meaning of > multistakeholder and our concerns this could be a mask for dominance of > certain groups. > > > > > > *From:* Ian Peter > *Sent:* Sunday, March 16, 2014 10:15 AM > *To:* Mawaki Chango ; Internet Governance > *Cc:* Deirdre Williams ; > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net > *Subject:* Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA > announcement of March 14 > > Hi Mawaki,good start. > > > > I think some sections are repetitive and it may be too long. So in my > thinking I have square bracketed some sections below and also have a few in > line comments and suggested alternatives. > > *From:* Mawaki Chango > *Sent:* Sunday, March 16, 2014 8:10 AM > *To:* Internet Governance > *Cc:* Deirdre Williams ; > mailto:bestbits at lists.bestbits.net > *Subject:* [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA > announcement of March 14 > > > Dear All, > > Please find a draft of the above subject for your consideration and > possible revisions. This is just a first crack attempted considering the > speed of the events. I'm cc'ing BB as a peer organization with same > concerns. > > We would appreciate your inputs by Monday noon, UTC. > --- > > IGC Draft Press Release > > > On March 14, U.S. Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and > Information Administration (NTIA) announced its intent to relinquish the > oversight role it has played so far with the Internet Corporation for > Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) regarding key Internet domain name > functions. [As the announcement points out, this marks the final phase of > the transition intended from the inception of ICANN toward the > privatization of the domain name system (DNS) and its stewardship]. > > > > The Internet Governance Caucus (IGC) welcomes this decision and > appreciates the opportunity to further evolve toward an equitable > multistakeholder policymaking model for [ 1. the governance of the > Internet] [IP -2. these functions]. In that regard, IGC pays [a] > particular attention to the reiteration by NTIA of the necessity to involve > all stakeholders in the process as well as in the desired outcome for fully > completing the above transition. [If deemed relevant by members and subject > to what the following actually entails: "Meet the needs and expectation of > the global customers and partners of the IANA services"] We also support > the four principles put forward by NTIA to guide ICANN and the global > Internet community in the formulation of a proposal to finalize this > transition]. > > > > IP I would leave last bracketed section out > > > > While acknowledging the [primary] role of Internet organizations and > technical standard-setting bodies, IGC wishes to call attention to the > utmost importance of giving due consideration to the concerns and views of > non-technical and non-commercial stakeholders in Internet policies. Indeed > IGC supports the multistakeholder policymaking model to the extent that it > does not contradict the ideals of democracy, including due consideration to > the rights of minorities (in the context of Internet policy). It will be a > constant challenge to make sure the term 'multistakeholder' is not reduced > to mean 'anti-all-governments-of-the-world' [ IP or"private sector led"] > but is rather open to embrace a 'pro-all-peoples-of-the-world' meaning. > > > > Furthermore, a great deal of care should be given to designing the > appropriate accountability mechanisms that fit a truly global governance > institution - with a constituency and a customer base that actually is > global.[ Related to that and more broadly adequate responses must be found > to the concern that while achieving effective accountability such > institution (to emerge from this transition) should not be subject to any > one national jurisdiction at the exclusion of others. It must be equally > available and accessible to all Internet stakeholders]. > > > > [Since ICANN is one of the co-conveners of the upcoming NETMundial, the > Global Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance (www.netmundial.br) > to be held in Brazil this April, we advise that it includes in its > consultation process for the transition proposal the propositions made in > submissions, proceedings and outcomes of that meeting as regards the > phasing out of the current role played by NTIA in the coordination of the > Internet's domain name system]. > > > > The Internet Governance Caucus > > March xx, 2014. > > ------------------------------ > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t > > ------------------------------ > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From andrea at digitalpolicy.it Sun Mar 16 03:18:51 2014 From: andrea at digitalpolicy.it (Andrea Glorioso) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 08:18:51 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Statement of the European Commission of 15.03.2014: Towards further Globalisation of the Internet In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Of possible interest to the members of this list. Towards further Globalisation of the Internet European Commission - STATEMENT/14/70 15/03/2014 Other available languages: none Share Expand Back to the search results - DOC - PDF European Commission Statement Brussels, 15 March 2014 Towards further Globalisation of the Internet Brussels, 15 March 2014 - Vice President Neelie Kroes today warmly welcomed the announcement of the United States Government to "transition out of the IANA function", which will allow a more global multi-stakeholder basis for an important element of governance of the Internet. "This is an historical step in making Internet governance truly global, and marks major progress towards the development of a multi-stakeholder model as advocated in the Commission's recent Communication" Vice-President Kroes said. Until now the United States has had the final say in changes to globally used data on top-level Internet domain names, such as .com or .de. The Commission has been pushing for such a move since 2009 and, most recently in its Communication on Internet Policy and Governance of 12 February 2014, called for the globalisation of the IANA functions. The Commission's Communication - like the US announcement - stresses the need to safeguard in the globalisation process the security and stability of the Internet, and commits to the multi-stakeholder model of governance. "It is a very timely announcement, ahead of an important multi-stakeholder conference in São Paulo on Internet governance principles and the future evolution of the governance ecosystem" added Vice President Kroes. "The European Commission will work together with the US and with all global stakeholders to implement the globalisation of the IANA functions in a process that is accountable and transparent, and in a manner that secures the open Internet and that will underpin human rights." Contacts : Ryan Heath (+32 460 750221 <+32%20460%20750221>)- (+32 2 296 17 16<+32%202%20296%2017%2016> ) For the public: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 or by e-mail -- -- I speak only for myself. Sometimes I do not even agree with myself. Keep it in mind. Twitter: @andreaglorioso Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrea.glorioso LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=1749288&trk=tab_pro -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jeanette at wzb.eu Sun Mar 16 05:28:21 2014 From: jeanette at wzb.eu (Jeanette Hofmann) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 10:28:21 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 In-Reply-To: <13BCD87FE58E4B7FA8F84F203701E533@Toshiba> References: <5800F791D3D64A5FA6894D71AD81A110@Toshiba> <13BCD87FE58E4B7FA8F84F203701E533@Toshiba> Message-ID: <53256EB5.8010702@wzb.eu> Hi, I support the changes that Ian proposes. I have one further suggestion which concerns the following para: It will be a constant challenge to make sure the term ‘multistakeholder’ is not reduced to mean ‘anti-all-governments-of-the-world’ [ IP or“private sector led”] but is rather open to embrace a ‘pro-all-peoples-of-the-world’ meaning. Could we simplify this sentence to the effect that the future model must ensure that neither governments nor any single stakeholder group can dominate the policy process? Jeanette Am 16.03.14 01:42, schrieb Ian Peter: > Just to outline some of the issues behind some of my suggested changes ; > 1. While happy to endorse “multistakeholder” as a step forward for these > particular functions, I am not sure we want to endorse it as a > one-size-fits-all model for all aspects of internet governance. Hence my > first suggested change below. > 2. I wouldn’t describe the role of technical organisations as “primary” > – administrative perhaps? > 3. Perhaps we can word better the section as regards meaning of > multistakeholder and our concerns this could be a mask for dominance of > certain groups. > ** > ** > ** > ** > ** > *From:* Ian Peter > *Sent:* Sunday, March 16, 2014 10:15 AM > *To:* Mawaki Chango ; Internet Governance > > *Cc:* Deirdre Williams ; > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net > *Subject:* Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA > announcement of March 14 > Hi Mawaki,good start. > I think some sections are repetitive and it may be too long. So in my > thinking I have square bracketed some sections below and also have a few > in line comments and suggested alternatives. > *From:* Mawaki Chango > *Sent:* Sunday, March 16, 2014 8:10 AM > *To:* Internet Governance > *Cc:* Deirdre Williams ; > mailto:bestbits at lists.bestbits.net > *Subject:* [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA > announcement of March 14 > Dear All, > Please find a draft of the above subject for your consideration and > possible revisions. This is just a first crack attempted considering the > speed of the events. I'm cc'ing BB as a peer organization with same > concerns. > We would appreciate your inputs by Monday noon, UTC. > --- > IGC Draft Press Release > > On March 14, U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and > Information Administration (NTIA) announced its intent to relinquish the > oversight role it has played so far with the Internet Corporation for > Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) regarding key Internet domain name > functions. [As the announcement points out, this marks the final phase > of the transition intended from the inception of ICANN toward the > privatization of the domain name system (DNS) and its stewardship]. > > The Internet Governance Caucus (IGC) welcomes this decision and > appreciates the opportunity to further evolve toward an equitable > multistakeholder policymaking model for [ 1. the governance of the > Internet] [IP –2. these functions]. In that regard, IGC pays [a] > particular attention to the reiteration by NTIA of the necessity to > involve all stakeholders in the process as well as in the desired > outcome for fully completing the above transition. [If deemed relevant > by members and subject to what the following actually entails: “Meet the > needs and expectation of the global customers and partners of the IANA > services”] We also support the four principles put forward by NTIA to > guide ICANN and the global Internet community in the formulation of a > proposal to finalize this transition]. > > IP I would leave last bracketed section out > > While acknowledging the [primary] role of Internet organizations and > technical standard-setting bodies, IGC wishes to call attention to the > utmost importance of giving due consideration to the concerns and views > of non-technical and non-commercial stakeholders in Internet policies. > Indeed IGC supports the multistakeholder policymaking model to the > extent that it does not contradict the ideals of democracy, including > due consideration to the rights of minorities (in the context of > Internet policy). It will be a constant challenge to make sure the term > ‘multistakeholder’ is not reduced to mean > ‘anti-all-governments-of-the-world’ [ IP or“private sector led”] but is > rather open to embrace a ‘pro-all-peoples-of-the-world’ meaning. > > Furthermore, a great deal of care should be given to designing the > appropriate accountability mechanisms that fit a truly global > governance institution – with a constituency and a customer base that > actually is global.[ Related to that and more broadly adequate responses > must be found to the concern that while achieving effective > accountability such institution (to emerge from this transition) should > not be subject to any one national jurisdiction at the exclusion of > others. It must be equally available and accessible to all Internet > stakeholders]. > > [Since ICANN is one of the co-conveners of the upcoming NETMundial, the > Global Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance(www.netmundial.br > ) to be held in Brazil this April, we advise > that it includes in its consultation process for the transition proposal > the propositions made in submissions, proceedings and outcomes of that > meeting as regards the phasing out of the current role played by NTIA in > the coordination of the Internet’s domain name system]. > > The Internet Governance Caucus > > March xx, 2014. > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t From parminder at itforchange.net Sun Mar 16 06:28:53 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 15:58:53 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <53257CE5.2060703@itforchange.net> Mawaki Thanks for this effort. As often and variously discussed on this list, terms like 'equitable multistakholder policy development model' are very problematic unless we have some basic definition of what is meant here, and it clearly excludes decision making on public policy issues... This particular language should therefore be struck out. Also, our communication , immediately after welcoming the decision and complimenting US gov for it, shouldupfront say that we are eager to know more details - especially about (1) whether it means that ICANN would no longer be under any contractual obligations with the US gov, and be in independent control of the root zone server, and (2) what happens to the issue of jurisdiction of incorporation of ICANN and it being subject to US laws and such and (3) whether any conditions would be imposed in 'freeing ICANN' and if so, of what nature.... And that we look forward to complete and real globalisation of ICANN, in a manner that takes care of these issues.. Also, a minor point, about one but last para, governance institutions do not have customers, only constituencies and the such... Thanks, parminder On Sunday 16 March 2014 02:40 AM, Mawaki Chango wrote: > > Dear All, > > Please find a draft of the above subject for your consideration and > possible revisions. This is just a first crack attempted considering > the speed of the events. I'm cc'ing BB as a peer organization with > same concerns. > > We would appreciate your inputs by Monday noon, UTC. > --- > > IGC Draft Press Release > > On March 14, U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications > and Information Administration (NTIA) announced its intent to > relinquish the oversight role it has played so far with the Internet > Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) regarding key > Internet domain name functions. As the announcement points out, this > marks the final phase of the transition intended from the inception of > ICANN toward the privatization of the domain name system (DNS) and its > stewardship. > > The Internet Governance Caucus (IGC) welcomes this decision and > appreciates the opportunity to further evolve toward an equitable > multistakeholder policymaking model for the governance of the > Internet. In that regard, IGC pays a particular attention to the > reiteration by NTIA of the necessity to involve all stakeholders in > the process as well as in the desired outcome for fully completing the > above transition. [If deemed relevant by members and subject to what > the following actually entails: “Meet the needs and expectation of the > global customers and partners of the IANA services”] We also support > the four principles put forward by NTIA to guide ICANN and the global > Internet community in the formulation of a proposal to finalize this > transition. > > > While acknowledging the primary role of Internet organizations and > technical standard-setting bodies, IGC wishes to call attention to the > utmost importance of giving due consideration to the concerns and > views of non-technical and non-commercial stakeholders in Internet > policies. Indeed IGC supports the multistakeholder policymaking model > to the extent that it does not contradict the ideals of democracy, > including due consideration to the rights of minorities (in the > context of Internet policy). It will be a constant challenge to make > sure the term ‘multistakeholder’ is not reduced to mean > ‘anti-all-governments-of-the-world’ but is rather open to embrace a > ‘pro-all-peoples-of-the-world’ meaning. > > > Furthermore, a great deal of care should be given to designing the > appropriate accountability mechanisms that fits a truly global > governance institution – with a constituency and a customer base that > actually is global. Related to that and more broadly, adequate > responses must be found to the concern that while achieving effective > accountability such institution (to emerge from this transition) > should not be subject to any one national jurisdiction at the > exclusion of others. It must be equally available and accessible to > all Internet stakeholders. > > > Since ICANN is one of the co-conveners of the upcoming NETMundial, the > Global Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance(www.netmundial.br > ) to be held in Brazil this April, we advise > that it includes in its consultation process for the transition > proposal the propositions made in submissions, proceedings and > outcomes of that meeting as regards the phasing out of the current > role played by NTIA in the coordination of the Internet’s domain name > system. > > The Internet Governance Caucus > > March xx, 2014. > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ca at cafonso.ca Sun Mar 16 07:08:26 2014 From: ca at cafonso.ca (Carlos A. Afonso) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 08:08:26 -0300 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 Message-ID: Yes, Jean! ------------ C. A. Afonso -------- Original message -------- From: Jeanette Hofmann Date: 16-03-2014 06:28 (GMT-03:00) To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org,Ian Peter ,Mawaki Chango Cc: Deirdre Williams ,bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 Hi, I support the changes that Ian proposes. I have one further suggestion which concerns the following para: It will be a constant challenge to make sure the term ‘multistakeholder’ is not reduced to mean ‘anti-all-governments-of-the-world’ [ IP or“private sector led”] but is rather open to embrace a ‘pro-all-peoples-of-the-world’ meaning. Could we simplify this sentence to the effect that the future model must ensure that neither governments nor any single stakeholder group can dominate the policy process? Jeanette Am 16.03.14 01:42, schrieb Ian Peter: > Just to outline some of the issues behind some of my suggested changes ; > 1. While happy to endorse “multistakeholder” as a step forward for these > particular functions, I am not sure we want to endorse it as a > one-size-fits-all model for all aspects of internet governance. Hence my > first suggested change below. > 2. I wouldn’t describe the role of technical organisations as “primary” > – administrative perhaps? > 3. Perhaps we can word better the section as regards meaning of > multistakeholder and our concerns this could be a mask for dominance of > certain groups. > ** > ** > ** > ** > ** > *From:* Ian Peter > *Sent:* Sunday, March 16, 2014 10:15 AM > *To:* Mawaki Chango ; Internet Governance > > *Cc:* Deirdre Williams ; > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net > *Subject:* Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA > announcement of March 14 > Hi Mawaki,good start. > I think some sections are repetitive and it may be too long. So in my > thinking I have square bracketed some sections below and also have a few > in line comments and suggested alternatives. > *From:* Mawaki Chango > *Sent:* Sunday, March 16, 2014 8:10 AM > *To:* Internet Governance > *Cc:* Deirdre Williams ; > mailto:bestbits at lists.bestbits.net > *Subject:* [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA > announcement of March 14 > Dear All, > Please find a draft of the above subject for your consideration and > possible revisions. This is just a first crack attempted considering the > speed of the events. I'm cc'ing BB as a peer organization with same > concerns. > We would appreciate your inputs by Monday noon, UTC. > --- > IGC Draft Press Release > > On March 14, U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and > Information Administration (NTIA) announced its intent to relinquish the > oversight role it has played so far with the Internet Corporation for > Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) regarding key Internet domain name > functions.  [As the announcement points out, this marks the final phase > of the transition intended from the inception of ICANN toward the > privatization of the domain name system (DNS) and its stewardship]. > > The Internet Governance Caucus (IGC) welcomes this decision and > appreciates the opportunity to further evolve toward an equitable > multistakeholder policymaking model for [ 1. the governance of the > Internet] [IP –2.  these functions]. In that regard, IGC pays [a] > particular attention to the reiteration by NTIA of the necessity to > involve all stakeholders in the process as well as in the desired > outcome for fully completing the above transition. [If deemed relevant > by members and subject to what the following actually entails: “Meet the > needs and expectation of the global customers and partners of the IANA > services”] We also support the four principles put forward by NTIA to > guide ICANN and the global Internet community in the formulation of a > proposal to finalize this transition]. > > IP I would leave last bracketed section out > > While acknowledging the [primary] role of Internet organizations and > technical standard-setting bodies, IGC wishes to call attention to the > utmost importance of giving due consideration to the concerns and views > of non-technical and non-commercial stakeholders in Internet policies. > Indeed IGC supports the multistakeholder policymaking model to the > extent that it does not contradict the ideals of democracy, including > due consideration to the rights of minorities (in the context of > Internet policy). It will be a constant challenge to make sure the term > ‘multistakeholder’ is not reduced to mean > ‘anti-all-governments-of-the-world’ [ IP or“private sector led”] but is > rather open to embrace a ‘pro-all-peoples-of-the-world’ meaning. > > Furthermore, a great deal of care should be given to designing the > appropriate accountability mechanisms that fit  a truly global > governance institution – with a constituency and a customer base that > actually is global.[ Related to that and more broadly adequate responses > must be found to the concern that while achieving effective > accountability such institution (to emerge from this transition) should > not be subject to any one national jurisdiction at the exclusion of > others. It must be equally available and accessible to all Internet > stakeholders]. > > [Since ICANN is one of the co-conveners of the upcoming NETMundial, the > Global Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance(www.netmundial.br > ) to be held in Brazil this April, we advise > that it includes in its consultation process for the transition proposal > the propositions made in submissions, proceedings and outcomes of that > meeting as regards the phasing out of the current role played by NTIA in > the coordination of the Internet’s domain name system]. > > The Internet Governance Caucus > > March xx, 2014. > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au Sun Mar 16 08:26:12 2014 From: Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au (Jeremy Malcolm) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 20:26:12 +0800 Subject: [URGENT] NTIA statement published for sign-on (was: Re: [bestbits] NTIA announcment) In-Reply-To: <3260E8E1-AE94-4F31-919D-D5280B9B646A@Malcolm.id.au> References: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> <53237B16.1060202@wzb.eu> <76B8A695-5263-43E7-A27C-C57770D30D51@gmail.com> <3362A131-5F5A-4B0A-A89F-C85275BBCC62@gmail.com> <53249638.8010105@apc.org> <7ED858F5-DCAC-4255-A39B-5B823DA72AE6@gmail.com> <5324A3B0.8070205@apc.org> <3260E8E1-AE94-4F31-919D-D5280B9B646A@Malcolm.id.au> Message-ID: <82F5E1B4-E26E-4DB4-B499-757D5B1CE9B3@Malcolm.id.au> Please now see http://bestbits.net/ntia-announcement/ where I have published the statement below with just two minor amendments to cover sensitivities about how we describe statements published through the Best Bits platform, viz. "adding "The undersigned" before "members of the Best Bits coalition" at the start, and the title changed from "Best Bits welcomes" to "Civil society representatives welcome". So that we can get in early for Monday morning, please endorse this joint statement as soon as possible if you agree with it. The address again: http://bestbits.net/ntia-announcement/ Thanks! On 16 Mar 2014, at 9:53 am, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: > On 16 Mar 2014, at 3:02 am, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > >> DRAFT Best Bits welcomes NTIA announcement on transition of key internet domain name functions >> >> Members of the Best Bits coalition welcome the announcement made by the United States Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of its ‘intent to transition key internet domain name functions to the global multi-stakeholder community.' >> >> NTIA’s responsibility under current agreements means it has served as the “historic steward” of the DNS (internet domain name system). The fact that a single government currently plays this role, even if it has not been a particularly “hands-on” role, has been cause for concern and debate among governments and other stakeholders for more than a decade. >> >> We commend the NTIA for committing to the transition to a multi-stakeholder process that needs full involvement of civil society, governments, business and the internet technical community (to mention just some of the current stakeholders affected by internet decision making) and for requiring that the resulting transition plan maintains the openness of the internet. >> >> This is however not trivial, as mechanisms for democratising internet governance, and ensuring really effective and inclusive participation of all who are affected by internet policy making and standard setting are still evolving. A transition away from US government oversight does not in itself guarantee inclusion, transparency and accountability or protection of the public interest in the management of DNS and the root zone. Nevertheless, this is a very constructive step, definitely in the right direction, and a unique opportunity to make progress in the evolution of the internet governance ecosystem. This is particularly important for stakeholders from developing countries. >> >> We recommend that ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), to which the NTIA is entrusting the development of the transition plan, look beyond its own internal multi-stakeholder processes in bringing together the larger community for the necessary consultations on how this transition should be undertaken. We also recommend that ICANN consider the submissions about how this transition can take place that were made to the upcoming NetMundial: Global Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance ‒ www.netmundial.br ‒ to be held in Brazil in late April 2014. > > I support us releasing this statement for sign-on, and can have it online in the next few hours, after leaving some more time for any amendments to be suggested. Please follow up by 12pm Sunday GMT/UTC with any amendments if you can (ie. about 10 hours from now). Thanks Anriette. > > -- > Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com > Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek > host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' > > WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. > -- Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 204 bytes Desc: Message signed with OpenPGP using GPGMail URL: From fouadbajwa at gmail.com Sun Mar 16 08:27:31 2014 From: fouadbajwa at gmail.com (Fouad Bajwa) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 17:27:31 +0500 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Mawaki, Thank you for taking the initiative and putting in the effort. In my personal view, IGC should be strongly concerned about the policy making mechanisms of both this change the its future thus this should be well mentioned. It is very unclear of how this model will evolve in the future. Will ICANN continue to be that body that manages the IANA function, what is the future of IANA then? Will IANA and ICANN be integrated into one organizational model and how will this organization be moved out of the US and that brings us back to the initial discussions on the IGC list about the various possible models including one where ICANN be located to Geneva and thereof act as an International organization and go into agreements, treaty or non-treaty bindings with the participation of various multilateral or bilateral, civil society, technical community and private sector organizations and bodies. It is also important to see how Governments are reacting to this and the Singapore ICANN Public Meeting will be a good space to see how the GAC responds or the statements that come out of there. This is a whole new process and we have to find a way to keep IGC involved inside out of the present and future of this transition where IGC also holds ground in all policy development processes of this new form of Internet Governance of the Domain and Naming Space of the Internet. As far as the issue of primary Internet organizations are concerned, that role has evolved to their present state and the Domain and IP owners, users, consumers or whatever the human role in the transactional value of domains be, is very primary and important so that cannot be left to just mentioning Internet organizations as primary, the human being or user or consumer is primary and thats who makes this whole system work and creates the demand for this political economy to operate. The new role of ICANN or any for the operation and management of an internationalized and independent domain name space beyond the control of any nation requires that stakeholders are clearly mentioned and brought into such a space on equal footing and grounds. That is not the case as such. The present ICANN community development processes do inhibit participation from across the world and though there are some productive efforts in place but they are not abundant. Mawaki, when you say [consideration to the concerns and views of non-technical and non-commercial stakeholders in Internet policies], that becomes the version of ICANN itself and a terminology that it uses to create a crack between the Non-Profit or Non-Private Sector groups that work consistently to find common grounds to work together but are subject to hierarchy. IF we look at the present state of the Board of ICANN, you will find a great deal of imbalance that I have already mentioned. The statement needs to be reviewed to represent a collective voice of IGC and in its own words rather than terminology incorporated from ICANN lingo. On Sun, Mar 16, 2014 at 4:08 PM, Carlos A. Afonso wrote: > Yes, Jean! > > > > > ------------ > C. A. Afonso > > > > -------- Original message -------- > From: Jeanette Hofmann > Date: 16-03-2014 06:28 (GMT-03:00) > To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org,Ian Peter ,Mawaki > Chango > Cc: Deirdre Williams > ,bestbits at lists.bestbits.net > Subject: Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA > announcement of March 14 > > > Hi, I support the changes that Ian proposes. I have one further > suggestion which concerns the following para: > > It will be a constant challenge to make sure the term 'multistakeholder' > is not reduced to mean 'anti-all-governments-of-the-world' [ IP > or"private sector led"] but is rather open to embrace a > 'pro-all-peoples-of-the-world' meaning. > > Could we simplify this sentence to the effect that the future model must > ensure that neither governments nor any single stakeholder group can > dominate the policy process? > > Jeanette > > Am 16.03.14 01:42, schrieb Ian Peter: >> Just to outline some of the issues behind some of my suggested changes ; >> 1. While happy to endorse "multistakeholder" as a step forward for these >> particular functions, I am not sure we want to endorse it as a >> one-size-fits-all model for all aspects of internet governance. Hence my >> first suggested change below. >> 2. I wouldn't describe the role of technical organisations as "primary" >> - administrative perhaps? >> 3. Perhaps we can word better the section as regards meaning of >> multistakeholder and our concerns this could be a mask for dominance of >> certain groups. >> ** >> ** >> ** >> ** >> ** >> *From:* Ian Peter >> *Sent:* Sunday, March 16, 2014 10:15 AM >> *To:* Mawaki Chango ; Internet Governance >> >> *Cc:* Deirdre Williams ; >> bestbits at lists.bestbits.net >> *Subject:* Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA >> announcement of March 14 >> Hi Mawaki,good start. >> I think some sections are repetitive and it may be too long. So in my >> thinking I have square bracketed some sections below and also have a few >> in line comments and suggested alternatives. >> *From:* Mawaki Chango >> *Sent:* Sunday, March 16, 2014 8:10 AM >> *To:* Internet Governance >> *Cc:* Deirdre Williams ; >> mailto:bestbits at lists.bestbits.net >> *Subject:* [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA >> announcement of March 14 >> Dear All, >> Please find a draft of the above subject for your consideration and >> possible revisions. This is just a first crack attempted considering the >> speed of the events. I'm cc'ing BB as a peer organization with same >> concerns. >> We would appreciate your inputs by Monday noon, UTC. >> --- >> IGC Draft Press Release >> >> On March 14, U.S. Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and >> Information Administration (NTIA) announced its intent to relinquish the >> oversight role it has played so far with the Internet Corporation for >> Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) regarding key Internet domain name >> functions. [As the announcement points out, this marks the final phase >> of the transition intended from the inception of ICANN toward the >> privatization of the domain name system (DNS) and its stewardship]. > >> >> The Internet Governance Caucus (IGC) welcomes this decision and >> appreciates the opportunity to further evolve toward an equitable >> multistakeholder policymaking model for [ 1. the governance of the >> Internet] [IP -2. these functions]. In that regard, IGC pays [a] > >> particular attention to the reiteration by NTIA of the necessity to >> involve all stakeholders in the process as well as in the desired >> outcome for fully completing the above transition. [If deemed relevant >> by members and subject to what the following actually entails: "Meet the >> needs and expectation of the global customers and partners of the IANA >> services"] We also support the four principles put forward by NTIA to >> guide ICANN and the global Internet community in the formulation of a >> proposal to finalize this transition]. >> >> IP I would leave last bracketed section out >> >> While acknowledging the [primary] role of Internet organizations and >> technical standard-setting bodies, IGC wishes to call attention to the >> utmost importance of giving due consideration to the concerns and views >> of non-technical and non-commercial stakeholders in Internet policies. >> Indeed IGC supports the multistakeholder policymaking model to the >> extent that it does not contradict the ideals of democracy, including >> due consideration to the rights of minorities (in the context of >> Internet policy). It will be a constant challenge to make sure the term >> 'multistakeholder' is not reduced to mean >> 'anti-all-governments-of-the-world' [ IP or"private sector led"] but is > >> rather open to embrace a 'pro-all-peoples-of-the-world' meaning. >> >> Furthermore, a great deal of care should be given to designing the >> appropriate accountability mechanisms that fit a truly global > >> governance institution - with a constituency and a customer base that >> actually is global.[ Related to that and more broadly adequate responses > >> must be found to the concern that while achieving effective >> accountability such institution (to emerge from this transition) should >> not be subject to any one national jurisdiction at the exclusion of >> others. It must be equally available and accessible to all Internet >> stakeholders]. >> >> [Since ICANN is one of the co-conveners of the upcoming NETMundial, the > >> Global Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance(www.netmundial.br >> ) to be held in Brazil this April, we advise > >> that it includes in its consultation process for the transition proposal >> the propositions made in submissions, proceedings and outcomes of that >> meeting as regards the phasing out of the current role played by NTIA in >> the coordination of the Internet's domain name system]. > >> >> The Internet Governance Caucus >> >> March xx, 2014. >> >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> To be removed from the list, visit: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >> >> For all other list information and functions, see: >> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >> >> Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t >> >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> To be removed from the list, visit: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >> >> For all other list information and functions, see: >> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >> >> Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t > > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. > To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: > http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits -- Regards. -------------------------- Fouad Bajwa ICT4D and Internet Governance Advisor My Blog: Internet's Governance: http://internetsgovernance.blogspot.com/ Follow my Tweets: http://twitter.com/fouadbajwa From avri at acm.org Sun Mar 16 08:28:01 2014 From: avri at acm.org (Avri Doria) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 08:28:01 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 In-Reply-To: <13BCD87FE58E4B7FA8F84F203701E533@Toshiba> References: <5800F791D3D64A5FA6894D71AD81A110@Toshiba> <13BCD87FE58E4B7FA8F84F203701E533@Toshiba> Message-ID: <532598D1.90103@acm.org> On 15-Mar-14 20:42, Ian Peter wrote: > 2. I wouldn’t describe the role of technical organisations as “primary” > – administrative perhaps? I do not think that the role of the IETF, is administrative. Perhaps Primary has a connotation of most important that you want to avoid, but creating and maintaining the protocols that make the Internet possible is a bit more than administration. Perhaps 'essential role' would work? Does not rank things (many ingredients can all be essential) but does admit that without them, we have nothing. Critical would be another possible word, but that word seem to carry more connotations than essential. I support such a press release as long as it does not back off the notions of multistakeholder particpatory democracy - albeit they are still unfolding. It is good to indicate that off course this does not work out the same in all contexts (aka not one size fits all), but we ought to persist in defining that full participation by all stakeholders in the process is essential. avri From gurstein at gmail.com Sun Mar 16 14:01:25 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 11:01:25 -0700 Subject: [bestbits] FW: [A2k] Joseph Stiglitz in the New York Times (Opinionator Blog): On the Wrong Side of Globalization In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <003801cf4141$c027d7b0$40778710$@gmail.com> Perhaps the discussions on Internet Governance should be seen as a form of trade negotiation. I think it is clear that at least some of the participating "stakeholders" recognize the connection. M -----Original Message----- From: A2k [mailto:a2k-bounces at lists.keionline.org] On Behalf Of Thiru Balasubramaniam Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2014 4:36 AM To: a2k at lists.keionline.org; Ip-health at lists.keionline.org Subject: [A2k] Joseph Stiglitz in the New York Times (Opinionator Blog): On the Wrong Side of Globalization http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/15/on-the-wrong-side-of-globali zation/ THE GREAT DIVIDE< http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/category/the-great-divide/?module=BlogC ategory&version=Blog%20Post&action=Click&contentCollection=Opinion&pgtype=Bl ogs®ion=Header> MARCH 15, 2014, 5:06 PM On the Wrong Side of Globalization By JOSEPH E. STIGLITZ< http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/author/joseph-e-stiglitz/> Trade agreements are a subject that can cause the eyes to glaze over, but we should all be paying attention. Right now, there are trade proposals in the works that threaten to put most Americans on the wrong side of globalization. The conflicting views about the agreements are actually tearing at the fabric of the Democratic Party< http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/15/us/politics/biden-remark-casts-doubt-on-pi llar-of-us-trade-agenda.html?action=click&module=Search®ion=searchResults %230&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%23 %2Fdemocrats%2Btpp%2F>, though you wouldn't know it from President Obama's rhetoric. In his State of the Union address, for example, he blandly referred to "new trade partnerships" that would "create more jobs." Most immediately at issue is the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, which would bring together 12 countries along the Pacific Rim in what would be the largest free trade area in the world. Negotiations for the TPP began in 2010, for the purpose, according to the United States Trade Representative< http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/fact-sheets/2011/november/outlines -trans-pacific-partnership-agreement>, of increasing trade and investment, through lowering tariffs and other trade barriers among participating countries. But the TPP negotiations have been taking place in secret, forcing us to rely on leaked drafts< https://wikileaks.org/Second-release-of-secret-Trans.html> to guess at the proposed provisions. At the same time, Congress introduced a bill< http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2014/01/10/tpp_negotiations_bill_wou ld_allow_the_white_house_to_fast_track_the_controversial.html> this year that would grant the White House filibuster-proof fast-track authority, under which Congress simply approves or rejects whatever trade agreement is put before it, without revisions or amendments. Controversy has erupted, and justifiably so. Based on the leaks -- and the history of arrangements in past trade pacts -- it is easy to infer the shape of the whole TPP, and it doesn't look good. There is a real risk that it will benefit the wealthiest sliver of the American and global elite at the expense of everyone else. The fact that such a plan is under consideration at all is testament to how deeply inequality reverberates through our economic policies. Worse, agreements like the TPP are only one aspect of a larger problem: our gross mismanagement of globalization. Let's tackle the history first. In general, trade deals today are markedly different from those made in the decades following World War II, when negotiations focused on lowering tariffs. As tariffs came down on all sides, trade expanded, and each country could develop the sectors in which it had strengths and as a result, standards of living would rise. Some jobs would be lost, but new jobs would be created. Today, the purpose of trade agreements is different. Tariffs around the world are already low. The focus has shifted to "nontariff barriers," and the most important of these -- for the corporate interests pushing agreements -- are regulations. Huge multinational corporations complain that inconsistent regulations make business costly. But most of the regulations, even if they are imperfect, are there for a reason: to protect workers, consumers, the economy and the environment. What's more, those regulations were often put in place by governments responding to the democratic demands of their citizens. Trade agreements' new boosters euphemistically claim that they are simply after regulatory harmonization, a clean-sounding phrase that implies an innocent plan to promote efficiency. One could, of course, get regulatory harmonization by strengthening regulations to the highest standards everywhere. But when corporations call for harmonization, what they really mean is a race to the bottom. When agreements like the TPP govern international trade -- when every country has agreed to similarly minimal regulations -- multinational corporations can return to the practices that were common before the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts became law (in 1970 and 1972, respectively) and before the latest financial crisis hit. Corporations everywhere may well agree that getting rid of regulations would be good for corporate profits. Trade negotiators might be persuaded that these trade agreements would be good for trade and corporate profits. But there would be some big losers -- namely, the rest of us. These high stakes are why it is especially risky to let trade negotiations proceed in secret. All over the world, trade ministries are captured by corporate and financial interests. And when negotiations are secret, there is no way that the democratic process can exert the checks and balances required to put limits on the negative effects of these agreements. The secrecy might be enough to cause significant controversy for the TPP. What we know of its particulars only makes it more unpalatable. One of the worst is that it allows corporations to seek restitution in an international tribunal, not only for unjust expropriation, but also for alleged diminution of their potential profits as a result of regulation. This is not a theoretical problem. Philip Morris has already tried this tactic against Uruguay, claiming that its antismoking regulations, which have won accolades from the World Health Organization, unfairly hurt profits, violating a bilateral trade treaty between Switzerland and Uruguay. In this sense, recent trade agreements are reminiscent of the Opium Wars, in which Western powers successfully demanded that China keep itself open to opium because they saw it as vital in correcting what otherwise would be a large trade imbalance. Provisions already incorporated in other trade agreements are being used elsewhere to undermine environmental and other regulations. Developing countries pay a high price for signing on to these provisions, but the evidence that they get more investment in return is scant and controversial. And though these countries are the most obvious victims, the same issue could become a problem for the United States, as well. American corporations could conceivably create a subsidiary in some Pacific Rim country, invest in the United States through that subsidiary, and then take action against the United States government -- getting rights as a "foreign" company that they would not have had as an American company. Again, this is not just a theoretical possibility: There is already some evidence that companies are choosing how to funnel their money into different countries on the basis of where their legal position in relation to the government is strongest. There are other noxious provisions. America has been fighting to lower the cost of health care. But the TPP would make the introduction of generic drugs more difficult, and thus raise the price of medicines. In the poorest countries, this is not just about moving money into corporate coffers: thousands would die unnecessarily. Of course, those who do research have to be compensated. That's why we have a patent system. But the patent system is supposed to carefully balance the benefits of intellectual protection with another worthy goal: making access to knowledge more available. I've written< http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/14/how-intellectual-property-re inforces-inequality/> before about how the system has been abused by those seeking patents for the genes that predispose women to breast cancer. The Supreme Court ended up rejecting those patents, but not before many women suffered unnecessarily. Trade agreements provide even more opportunities< http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/14/how-intellectual-property-re inforces-inequality/> for patent abuse. The worries mount. One way of reading the leaked negotiation documents suggests that the TPP would make it easier for American banks to sell risky derivatives around the world, perhaps setting us up for the same kind of crisis that led to the Great Recession. In spite of all this, there are those who passionately support the TPP and agreements like it, including many economists. What makes this support possible is bogus, debunked economic theory, which has remained in circulation mostly because it serves the interests of the wealthiest. Free trade was a central tenet of economics in the discipline's early years. Yes, there are winners and losers, the theory went, but the winners can always compensate the losers, so that free trade (or even freer trade) is a win-win. This conclusion, unfortunately, is based on numerous assumptions, many of which are simply wrong. The older theories, for instance, simply ignored risk, and assumed that workers could move seamlessly between jobs. It was assumed that the economy was at full employment, so that workers displaced by globalization would quickly move from low-productivity sectors (which had thrived simply because foreign competition was kept at bay through tariffs and other trade restrictions) to high-productivity sectors. But when there is a high level of unemployment, and especially when a large percentage of the unemployed have been out of work long-term (as is the case now), there can't be such complacency. Today, there are 20 million Americans who would like a full-time job but can't get one. Millions have stopped looking. So there is a real risk that individuals moved from low productivity-employment in a protected sector will end up zero-productivity members of the vast ranks of the unemployed. This hurts even those who keep their jobs, as higher unemployment puts downward pressure on wages. We can argue over why our economy isn't performing the way it's supposed to -- whether it's because of a lack of aggregate demand, or because our banks, more interested in speculation and market manipulation than lending, are not providing adequate funds to small and medium-size enterprises. But whatever the reasons, the reality is that these trade agreements do risk increasing unemployment. One of the reasons that we are in such bad shape is that we have mismanaged globalization. Our economic policies encourage the outsourcing of jobs: Goods produced abroad with cheap labor can be cheaply brought back into the United States. So American workers understand that they have to compete with those abroad, and their bargaining power is weakened. This is one of the reasons that the real median income of full-time male workers is lower than it was< http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/30/opinion/obamas-free-trade-conundrum.html?a ction=click&module=Search®ion=searchResults%230&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2 Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMast head%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomep age%26t%3Dqry653%23%2Fbonior+tpp&_r=1> 40 years ago. American politics today compounds these problems. Even in the best of circumstances, the old free trade theory said only that the winners could compensate the losers, not that they would. And they haven't -- quite the opposite. Advocates of trade agreements often say that for America to be competitive, not only will wages have to be cut, but so will taxes and expenditures, especially on programs that are of benefit to ordinary citizens. We should accept the short-term pain, they say, because in the long run, all will benefit. But as John Maynard Keynes famously said in another context, "in the long run we are all dead." In this case, there is little evidence that the trade agreements will lead to faster or more profound growth. Critics of the TPP are so numerous because both the process and the theory that undergird it are bankrupt. Opposition has blossomed not just in the United States, but also in Asia, where the talks have stalled. By leading a full-on rejection of fast-track authority for the TPP, the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, seems to have given us all a little respite. Those who see trade agreements as enriching corporations at the expense of the 99 percent seem to have won this skirmish. But there is a broader war to ensure that trade policy -- and globalization more generally -- is designed so as to increase the standards of living of most Americans. The outcome of that war remains uncertain. In this series, I have repeatedly made two points: The first is that the high level of inequality in the United States today, and its enormous increase during the past 30 years, is the cumulative result of an array of policies, programs and laws. Given that the president himself has emphasized that inequality should be the country's top priority, every new policy, program or law should be examined from the perspective of its impact on inequality. Agreements like the TPP have contributed in important ways to this inequality. Corporations may profit, and it is even possible, though far from assured, that gross domestic product as conventionally measured will increase. But the well-being of ordinary citizens is likely to take a hit. And this brings me to the second point that I have repeatedly emphasized: Trickle-down economics is a myth. Enriching corporations -- as the TPP would -- will not necessarily help those in the middle, let alone those at the bottom. _______________________________________________ A2k mailing list A2k at lists.keionline.org http://lists.keionline.org/mailman/listinfo/a2k_lists.keionline.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nathaliecoupet at yahoo.com Sun Mar 16 14:22:27 2014 From: nathaliecoupet at yahoo.com (Nathalie Coupet) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 14:22:27 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] FW: [A2k] Joseph Stiglitz in the New York Times (Opinionator Blog): On the Wrong Side of Globalization In-Reply-To: <003801cf4141$c027d7b0$40778710$@gmail.com> References: <003801cf4141$c027d7b0$40778710$@gmail.com> Message-ID: Thank you, Michael! Sent from my iPhone On Mar 16, 2014, at 2:01 PM, "michael gurstein" wrote: > Perhaps the discussions on Internet Governance should be seen as a form of trade negotiation. I think it is clear that at least some of the participating "stakeholders" recognize the connection. > > M > > -----Original Message----- > From: A2k [mailto:a2k-bounces at lists.keionline.org] On Behalf Of Thiru Balasubramaniam > Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2014 4:36 AM > To: a2k at lists.keionline.org; Ip-health at lists.keionline.org > Subject: [A2k] Joseph Stiglitz in the New York Times (Opinionator Blog): On the Wrong Side of Globalization > > http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/15/on-the-wrong-side-of-globalization/ > THE GREAT DIVIDE > MARCH 15, 2014, 5:06 PM > On the Wrong Side of Globalization > By JOSEPH E. STIGLITZ > > Trade agreements are a subject that can cause the eyes to glaze over, but we should all be paying attention. Right now, there are trade proposals in the works that threaten to put most Americans on the wrong side of globalization. > > The conflicting views about the agreements are actually tearing at the fabric of the Democratic Party, > though you wouldn't know it from President Obama's rhetoric. In his State of the Union address, for example, he blandly referred to "new trade partnerships" that would "create more jobs." Most immediately at issue is the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, which would bring together 12 countries along the Pacific Rim in what would be the largest free trade area in the world. > > Negotiations for the TPP began in 2010, for the purpose, according to the United States Trade Representative, > of increasing trade and investment, through lowering tariffs and other trade barriers among participating countries. But the TPP negotiations have been taking place in secret, forcing us to rely on leaked drafts to guess at the proposed provisions. At the same time, Congress introduced a bill > this > year that would grant the White House filibuster-proof fast-track authority, under which Congress simply approves or rejects whatever trade agreement is put before it, without revisions or amendments. > > Controversy has erupted, and justifiably so. Based on the leaks -- and the history of arrangements in past trade pacts -- it is easy to infer the shape of the whole TPP, and it doesn't look good. There is a real risk that it will benefit the wealthiest sliver of the American and global elite at the expense of everyone else. The fact that such a plan is under consideration at all is testament to how deeply inequality reverberates through our economic policies. > > Worse, agreements like the TPP are only one aspect of a larger problem: our gross mismanagement of globalization. > > Let's tackle the history first. In general, trade deals today are markedly different from those made in the decades following World War II, when negotiations focused on lowering tariffs. As tariffs came down on all sides, trade expanded, and each country could develop the sectors in which it had strengths and as a result, standards of living would rise. Some jobs would be lost, but new jobs would be created. > > Today, the purpose of trade agreements is different. Tariffs around the world are already low. The focus has shifted to "nontariff barriers," and the most important of these -- for the corporate interests pushing agreements -- are regulations. Huge multinational corporations complain that inconsistent regulations make business costly. But most of the regulations, even if they are imperfect, are there for a reason: to protect workers, consumers, the economy and the environment. > > What's more, those regulations were often put in place by governments responding to the democratic demands of their citizens. Trade agreements' > new boosters euphemistically claim that they are simply after regulatory harmonization, a clean-sounding phrase that implies an innocent plan to promote efficiency. One could, of course, get regulatory harmonization by strengthening regulations to the highest standards everywhere. But when corporations call for harmonization, what they really mean is a race to the bottom. > > When agreements like the TPP govern international trade -- when every country has agreed to similarly minimal regulations -- multinational corporations can return to the practices that were common before the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts became law (in 1970 and 1972, respectively) and before the latest financial crisis hit. Corporations everywhere may well agree that getting rid of regulations would be good for corporate profits. > Trade negotiators might be persuaded that these trade agreements would be good for trade and corporate profits. But there would be some big losers -- namely, the rest of us. > > These high stakes are why it is especially risky to let trade negotiations proceed in secret. All over the world, trade ministries are captured by corporate and financial interests. And when negotiations are secret, there is no way that the democratic process can exert the checks and balances required to put limits on the negative effects of these agreements. > > The secrecy might be enough to cause significant controversy for the TPP. > What we know of its particulars only makes it more unpalatable. One of the worst is that it allows corporations to seek restitution in an international tribunal, not only for unjust expropriation, but also for alleged diminution of their potential profits as a result of regulation. > This is not a theoretical problem. Philip Morris has already tried this tactic against Uruguay, claiming that its antismoking regulations, which have won accolades from the World Health Organization, unfairly hurt profits, violating a bilateral trade treaty between Switzerland and Uruguay. In this sense, recent trade agreements are reminiscent of the Opium Wars, in which Western powers successfully demanded that China keep itself open to opium because they saw it as vital in correcting what otherwise would be a large trade imbalance. > > Provisions already incorporated in other trade agreements are being used elsewhere to undermine environmental and other regulations. Developing countries pay a high price for signing on to these provisions, but the evidence that they get more investment in return is scant and controversial. And though these countries are the most obvious victims, the same issue could become a problem for the United States, as well. American corporations could conceivably create a subsidiary in some Pacific Rim country, invest in the United States through that subsidiary, and then take action against the United States government -- getting rights as a "foreign" > company that they would not have had as an American company. Again, this is not just a theoretical possibility: There is already some evidence that companies are choosing how to funnel their money into different countries on the basis of where their legal position in relation to the government is strongest. > > There are other noxious provisions. America has been fighting to lower the cost of health care. But the TPP would make the introduction of generic drugs more difficult, and thus raise the price of medicines. In the poorest countries, this is not just about moving money into corporate coffers: > thousands would die unnecessarily. Of course, those who do research have to be compensated. That's why we have a patent system. But the patent system is supposed to carefully balance the benefits of intellectual protection with another worthy goal: making access to knowledge more available. I've written > before > about how the system has been abused by those seeking patents for the genes that predispose women to breast cancer. The Supreme Court ended up rejecting those patents, but not before many women suffered unnecessarily. > Trade agreements provide even more > opportunities > for > patent abuse. > > The worries mount. One way of reading the leaked negotiation documents suggests that the TPP would make it easier for American banks to sell risky derivatives around the world, perhaps setting us up for the same kind of crisis that led to the Great Recession. > > In spite of all this, there are those who passionately support the TPP and agreements like it, including many economists. What makes this support possible is bogus, debunked economic theory, which has remained in circulation mostly because it serves the interests of the wealthiest. > > Free trade was a central tenet of economics in the discipline's early years. Yes, there are winners and losers, the theory went, but the winners can always compensate the losers, so that free trade (or even freer trade) is a win-win. This conclusion, unfortunately, is based on numerous assumptions, many of which are simply wrong. > > The older theories, for instance, simply ignored risk, and assumed that workers could move seamlessly between jobs. It was assumed that the economy was at full employment, so that workers displaced by globalization would quickly move from low-productivity sectors (which had thrived simply because foreign competition was kept at bay through tariffs and other trade > restrictions) to high-productivity sectors. But when there is a high level of unemployment, and especially when a large percentage of the unemployed have been out of work long-term (as is the case now), there can't be such complacency. > > Today, there are 20 million Americans who would like a full-time job but can't get one. Millions have stopped looking. So there is a real risk that individuals moved from low productivity-employment in a protected sector will end up zero-productivity members of the vast ranks of the unemployed. > This hurts even those who keep their jobs, as higher unemployment puts downward pressure on wages. > > We can argue over why our economy isn't performing the way it's supposed to > -- whether it's because of a lack of aggregate demand, or because our banks, more interested in speculation and market manipulation than lending, are not providing adequate funds to small and medium-size enterprises. But whatever the reasons, the reality is that these trade agreements do risk increasing unemployment. > > One of the reasons that we are in such bad shape is that we have mismanaged globalization. Our economic policies encourage the outsourcing of jobs: > Goods produced abroad with cheap labor can be cheaply brought back into the United States. So American workers understand that they have to compete with those abroad, and their bargaining power is weakened. This is one of the reasons that the real median income of full-time male workers is lower than it was > 40 > years ago. > > American politics today compounds these problems. Even in the best of circumstances, the old free trade theory said only that the winners could compensate the losers, not that they would. And they haven't -- quite the opposite. Advocates of trade agreements often say that for America to be competitive, not only will wages have to be cut, but so will taxes and expenditures, especially on programs that are of benefit to ordinary citizens. We should accept the short-term pain, they say, because in the long run, all will benefit. But as John Maynard Keynes famously said in another context, "in the long run we are all dead." In this case, there is little evidence that the trade agreements will lead to faster or more profound growth. > > Critics of the TPP are so numerous because both the process and the theory that undergird it are bankrupt. Opposition has blossomed not just in the United States, but also in Asia, where the talks have stalled. > > By leading a full-on rejection of fast-track authority for the TPP, the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, seems to have given us all a little respite. Those who see trade agreements as enriching corporations at the expense of the 99 percent seem to have won this skirmish. But there is a broader war to ensure that trade policy -- and globalization more generally > -- is designed so as to increase the standards of living of most Americans. > The outcome of that war remains uncertain. > > In this series, I have repeatedly made two points: The first is that the high level of inequality in the United States today, and its enormous increase during the past 30 years, is the cumulative result of an array of policies, programs and laws. Given that the president himself has emphasized that inequality should be the country's top priority, every new policy, program or law should be examined from the perspective of its impact on inequality. Agreements like the TPP have contributed in important ways to this inequality. Corporations may profit, and it is even possible, though far from assured, that gross domestic product as conventionally measured will increase. But the well-being of ordinary citizens is likely to take a hit. > > And this brings me to the second point that I have repeatedly emphasized: > Trickle-down economics is a myth. Enriching corporations -- as the TPP would > -- will not necessarily help those in the middle, let alone those at the bottom. > _______________________________________________ > A2k mailing list > A2k at lists.keionline.org > http://lists.keionline.org/mailman/listinfo/a2k_lists.keionline.org > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. > To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: > http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From avri at acm.org Wed Mar 5 02:39:12 2014 From: avri at acm.org (Avri Doria) Date: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 07:39:12 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] Please pre-register by today for NETmundial 2014 civil society coordination meeting In-Reply-To: <11EEE2C4-4785-4E45-81D2-96E85D898313@Malcolm.id.au> References: <11EEE2C4-4785-4E45-81D2-96E85D898313@Malcolm.id.au> Message-ID: <5316D4A0.1020906@acm.org> Hi, I am assuming this is only for Developing country, least developed and indigenous peoples etc participants, and not for those from the so-called political north. Is that correct? avri On 05-Mar-14 02:53, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: > Dear all, > > If anyone has already registered to attend NETmundial 2014 in São Paulo > on 23-24 April, but has not got funding to support their travel (and > needs it), and if you have not yet also separately registered to attend > the civil society coordination meeting on the preceding day (22 April) > and indicated a need for funding, *please do so today*. The organisers > of the coordination meeting aim to use the next week to try to sort out > a list of people to whom travel funding can be extended, and to finalise > this by 12 March when the official list of those accepted to attend the > main NETmundial meeting will be released. > > Thanks. > > -- > Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com > Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek > host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk -F! > '{print $3}' > > WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended > to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see > http://jere.my/l/pgp. > From jeanette at wzb.eu Sun Mar 16 15:23:10 2014 From: jeanette at wzb.eu (Jeanette Hofmann) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 20:23:10 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] FW: [A2k] Joseph Stiglitz in the New York Times (Opinionator Blog): On the Wrong Side of Globalization In-Reply-To: <003801cf4141$c027d7b0$40778710$@gmail.com> References: <003801cf4141$c027d7b0$40778710$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <5325FA1E.6070900@wzb.eu> Thank you for this link. Stiglitz' comparison of trade agreements with the Opium wars is pretty cool. Considering that the British fought for free trade to protect their profits from selling opium one might wonder what future generations think of the free flow of information. jeanette Am 16.03.14 19:01, schrieb michael gurstein: > Perhaps the discussions on Internet Governance should be seen as a form > of trade negotiation. I think it is clear that at least some of the > participating "stakeholders" recognize the connection > . > > M > > -----Original Message----- > From: A2k [mailto:a2k-bounces at lists.keionline.org] On Behalf Of Thiru > Balasubramaniam > Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2014 4:36 AM > To: a2k at lists.keionline.org; Ip-health at lists.keionline.org > Subject: [A2k] Joseph Stiglitz in the New York Times (Opinionator Blog): > On the Wrong Side of Globalization > > http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/15/on-the-wrong-side-of-globalization/ > > THE GREAT > DIVIDE > > MARCH 15, 2014, 5:06 PM > > On the Wrong Side of Globalization > > By JOSEPH E. > STIGLITZ > > Trade agreements are a subject that can cause the eyes to glaze over, > but we should all be paying attention. Right now, there are trade > proposals in the works that threaten to put most Americans on the wrong > side of globalization. > > The conflicting views about the agreements are actually tearing at the > fabric of the Democratic > Party, > > though you wouldn't know it from President Obama's rhetoric. In his > State of the Union address, for example, he blandly referred to "new > trade partnerships" that would "create more jobs." Most immediately at > issue is the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, which would bring > together 12 countries along the Pacific Rim in what would be the largest > free trade area in the world. > > Negotiations for the TPP began in 2010, for the purpose, according to > the United States Trade > Representative, > > of increasing trade and investment, through lowering tariffs and other > trade barriers among participating countries. But the TPP negotiations > have been taking place in secret, forcing us to rely on leaked > drafts to > guess at the proposed provisions. At the same time, Congress introduced > a > bill > > this > > year that would grant the White House filibuster-proof fast-track > authority, under which Congress simply approves or rejects whatever > trade agreement is put before it, without revisions or amendments. > > Controversy has erupted, and justifiably so. Based on the leaks -- and > the history of arrangements in past trade pacts -- it is easy to infer > the shape of the whole TPP, and it doesn't look good. There is a real > risk that it will benefit the wealthiest sliver of the American and > global elite at the expense of everyone else. The fact that such a plan > is under consideration at all is testament to how deeply inequality > reverberates through our economic policies. > > Worse, agreements like the TPP are only one aspect of a larger problem: > our gross mismanagement of globalization. > > Let's tackle the history first. In general, trade deals today are > markedly different from those made in the decades following World War > II, when negotiations focused on lowering tariffs. As tariffs came down > on all sides, trade expanded, and each country could develop the sectors > in which it had strengths and as a result, standards of living would > rise. Some jobs would be lost, but new jobs would be created. > > Today, the purpose of trade agreements is different. Tariffs around the > world are already low. The focus has shifted to "nontariff barriers," > and the most important of these -- for the corporate interests pushing > agreements -- are regulations. Huge multinational corporations complain > that inconsistent regulations make business costly. But most of the > regulations, even if they are imperfect, are there for a reason: to > protect workers, consumers, the economy and the environment. > > What's more, those regulations were often put in place by governments > responding to the democratic demands of their citizens. Trade agreements' > > new boosters euphemistically claim that they are simply after regulatory > harmonization, a clean-sounding phrase that implies an innocent plan to > promote efficiency. One could, of course, get regulatory harmonization > by strengthening regulations to the highest standards everywhere. But > when corporations call for harmonization, what they really mean is a > race to the bottom. > > When agreements like the TPP govern international trade -- when every > country has agreed to similarly minimal regulations -- multinational > corporations can return to the practices that were common before the > Clean Air and Clean Water Acts became law (in 1970 and 1972, > respectively) and before the latest financial crisis hit. Corporations > everywhere may well agree that getting rid of regulations would be good > for corporate profits. > > Trade negotiators might be persuaded that these trade agreements would > be good for trade and corporate profits. But there would be some big > losers -- namely, the rest of us. > > These high stakes are why it is especially risky to let trade > negotiations proceed in secret. All over the world, trade ministries are > captured by corporate and financial interests. And when negotiations are > secret, there is no way that the democratic process can exert the checks > and balances required to put limits on the negative effects of these > agreements. > > The secrecy might be enough to cause significant controversy for the TPP. > > What we know of its particulars only makes it more unpalatable. One of > the worst is that it allows corporations to seek restitution in an > international tribunal, not only for unjust expropriation, but also for > alleged diminution of their potential profits as a result of regulation. > > This is not a theoretical problem. Philip Morris has already tried this > tactic against Uruguay, claiming that its antismoking regulations, which > have won accolades from the World Health Organization, unfairly hurt > profits, violating a bilateral trade treaty between Switzerland and > Uruguay. In this sense, recent trade agreements are reminiscent of the > Opium Wars, in which Western powers successfully demanded that China > keep itself open to opium because they saw it as vital in correcting > what otherwise would be a large trade imbalance. > > Provisions already incorporated in other trade agreements are being used > elsewhere to undermine environmental and other regulations. Developing > countries pay a high price for signing on to these provisions, but the > evidence that they get more investment in return is scant and > controversial. And though these countries are the most obvious victims, > the same issue could become a problem for the United States, as well. > American corporations could conceivably create a subsidiary in some > Pacific Rim country, invest in the United States through that > subsidiary, and then take action against the United States government -- > getting rights as a "foreign" > > company that they would not have had as an American company. Again, this > is not just a theoretical possibility: There is already some evidence > that companies are choosing how to funnel their money into different > countries on the basis of where their legal position in relation to the > government is strongest. > > There are other noxious provisions. America has been fighting to lower > the cost of health care. But the TPP would make the introduction of > generic drugs more difficult, and thus raise the price of medicines. In > the poorest countries, this is not just about moving money into > corporate coffers: > > thousands would die unnecessarily. Of course, those who do research have > to be compensated. That's why we have a patent system. But the patent > system is supposed to carefully balance the benefits of intellectual > protection with another worthy goal: making access to knowledge more > available. I've > written > > before > > about how the system has been abused by those seeking patents for the > genes that predispose women to breast cancer. The Supreme Court ended up > rejecting those patents, but not before many women suffered unnecessarily. > > Trade agreements provide even more > > opportunities > > for > > patent abuse. > > The worries mount. One way of reading the leaked negotiation documents > suggests that the TPP would make it easier for American banks to sell > risky derivatives around the world, perhaps setting us up for the same > kind of crisis that led to the Great Recession. > > In spite of all this, there are those who passionately support the TPP > and agreements like it, including many economists. What makes this > support possible is bogus, debunked economic theory, which has remained > in circulation mostly because it serves the interests of the wealthiest. > > Free trade was a central tenet of economics in the discipline's early > years. Yes, there are winners and losers, the theory went, but the > winners can always compensate the losers, so that free trade (or even > freer trade) is a win-win. This conclusion, unfortunately, is based on > numerous assumptions, many of which are simply wrong. > > The older theories, for instance, simply ignored risk, and assumed that > workers could move seamlessly between jobs. It was assumed that the > economy was at full employment, so that workers displaced by > globalization would quickly move from low-productivity sectors (which > had thrived simply because foreign competition was kept at bay through > tariffs and other trade > > restrictions) to high-productivity sectors. But when there is a high > level of unemployment, and especially when a large percentage of the > unemployed have been out of work long-term (as is the case now), there > can't be such complacency. > > Today, there are 20 million Americans who would like a full-time job but > can't get one. Millions have stopped looking. So there is a real risk > that individuals moved from low productivity-employment in a protected > sector will end up zero-productivity members of the vast ranks of the > unemployed. > > This hurts even those who keep their jobs, as higher unemployment puts > downward pressure on wages. > > We can argue over why our economy isn't performing the way it's supposed to > > -- whether it's because of a lack of aggregate demand, or because our > banks, more interested in speculation and market manipulation than > lending, are not providing adequate funds to small and medium-size > enterprises. But whatever the reasons, the reality is that these trade > agreements do risk increasing unemployment. > > One of the reasons that we are in such bad shape is that we have > mismanaged globalization. Our economic policies encourage the > outsourcing of jobs: > > Goods produced abroad with cheap labor can be cheaply brought back into > the United States. So American workers understand that they have to > compete with those abroad, and their bargaining power is weakened. This > is one of the reasons that the real median income of full-time male > workers is lower than it > was > > 40 > > years ago. > > American politics today compounds these problems. Even in the best of > circumstances, the old free trade theory said only that the winners > could compensate the losers, not that they would. And they haven't -- > quite the opposite. Advocates of trade agreements often say that for > America to be competitive, not only will wages have to be cut, but so > will taxes and expenditures, especially on programs that are of benefit > to ordinary citizens. We should accept the short-term pain, they say, > because in the long run, all will benefit. But as John Maynard Keynes > famously said in another context, "in the long run we are all dead." In > this case, there is little evidence that the trade agreements will lead > to faster or more profound growth. > > Critics of the TPP are so numerous because both the process and the > theory that undergird it are bankrupt. Opposition has blossomed not just > in the United States, but also in Asia, where the talks have stalled. > > By leading a full-on rejection of fast-track authority for the TPP, the > Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, seems to have given us all a little > respite. Those who see trade agreements as enriching corporations at the > expense of the 99 percent seem to have won this skirmish. But there is a > broader war to ensure that trade policy -- and globalization more generally > > -- is designed so as to increase the standards of living of most Americans. > > The outcome of that war remains uncertain. > > In this series, I have repeatedly made two points: The first is that the > high level of inequality in the United States today, and its enormous > increase during the past 30 years, is the cumulative result of an array > of policies, programs and laws. Given that the president himself has > emphasized that inequality should be the country's top priority, every > new policy, program or law should be examined from the perspective of > its impact on inequality. Agreements like the TPP have contributed in > important ways to this inequality. Corporations may profit, and it is > even possible, though far from assured, that gross domestic product as > conventionally measured will increase. But the well-being of ordinary > citizens is likely to take a hit. > > And this brings me to the second point that I have repeatedly emphasized: > > Trickle-down economics is a myth. Enriching corporations -- as the TPP would > > -- will not necessarily help those in the middle, let alone those at the > bottom. > > _______________________________________________ > > A2k mailing list > > A2k at lists.keionline.org > > http://lists.keionline.org/mailman/listinfo/a2k_lists.keionline.org > From kichango at gmail.com Sun Mar 16 15:26:17 2014 From: kichango at gmail.com (Mawaki Chango) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 19:26:17 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 In-Reply-To: References: <5800F791D3D64A5FA6894D71AD81A110@Toshiba> <13BCD87FE58E4B7FA8F84F203701E533@Toshiba> <532598D1.90103@acm.org> <9B03F5AF-CF0B-4931-B968-66C33903C6ED@mail.utoronto.ca> Message-ID: Hello, On Sun, Mar 16, 2014 at 5:37 PM, Sivasubramanian M wrote: > Hello > > IGC supports the multistakeholder policymaking model to the extent that it >> does not contradict the ideals of democracy, including due consideration to >> the rights of minorities (in the context of Internet policy) > > > "to the extent that Mutli-stakeholder model contradict the ideals of > democracy"? Multi-stakeholder model is expanded democracy, the next step > in the further evolution of democracy. Is there room for this model to > contradict the ideals of democracy??? > Sorry, you completely misread this... Or you are objecting to yourself since you're the one who took the 'NOT' out of that sentence by re-typing it instead of just reading the original one correctly. It reads: "does NOT contradict..." > > "consideration of rights of minorities" - If this is a Global process, > open for participation from all stake-holders, from every nation, the > policies that would emerge out of the process is bound to be balanced. The > intention behind this thought about the "rights" of minorities might be > noble, but as unintended consequences, this idea of special attention could > lead to politicization of the process. > This has nothing to do with 'special attention' or with special interests or with ethnic or cultural minorities (I put the following in parentheses in front of the word 'minorities': 'in the context of Internet policy' precisely to signal that this is not about cultural or ethnic minorities.) Suresh's reading is right; it is about inclusiveness and consensus building. I was trying to avoid limiting the reference to democracy to its most common instances or simplistic understanding whereby the winner (majority) takes all, in favor of the ideals of democracy whereby the majority still has to take the views or interests of the minority into consideration while governing (think of Egypt and the democratically elected President Morsi.) More precisely (and completely unrelated to Egypt in my mind), I borrow the notion of "rights of minorities" from Hannah Arendt in her analysis of totalitarianism. But I hear you and will try to reconsider the wording. Thanks, Mawaki > In India the intention to protect minority interests began with policies > of special attention, special laws and reservation of seats for minorities > in education, work and politics and this move to ensure social justice has > also caused some imbalance in a certain way; In the US, the Government's > openness to representation by Special Interest and Lobby groups, at least > occasionally, results in a situation where the amplified voice of the lobby > group wins over the muted voice or silence of others. Certainly a global > process can not create a situation where minorities would be neglected, but > this needs to be achieved in a manner that does not complicate the goodness > of the process. Instead of mentioning "minorities" we could say "all" > > Sivasubramanian M > > > > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dominique.lacroix at ies-france.eu Sun Mar 16 15:36:45 2014 From: dominique.lacroix at ies-france.eu (Dominique Lacroix) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 20:36:45 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] FW: [A2k] Joseph Stiglitz in the New York Times (Opinionator Blog): On the Wrong Side of Globalization In-Reply-To: <5325FA1E.6070900@wzb.eu> References: <003801cf4141$c027d7b0$40778710$@gmail.com> <5325FA1E.6070900@wzb.eu> Message-ID: <5325FD4D.8040000@ies-france.eu> At least an image for non French readers: http://reseaux.blog.lemonde.fr/2012/08/30/creation-icann/ Abstract: Corn cannot expect justice from a court of chickens. (African proverb) @+, cheers, Dominique Le 16/03/14 20:23, Jeanette Hofmann a écrit : > Thank you for this link. Stiglitz' comparison of trade agreements with > the Opium wars is pretty cool. > > Considering that the British fought for free trade to protect their > profits from selling opium one might wonder what future generations > think of the free flow of information. > > jeanette > > > > Am 16.03.14 19:01, schrieb michael gurstein: >> Perhaps the discussions on Internet Governance should be seen as a form >> of trade negotiation. [...] >> -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gurstein at gmail.com Sun Mar 16 15:49:50 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 12:49:50 -0700 Subject: [bestbits] FW: [A2k] Joseph Stiglitz in the New York Times (Opinionator Blog): On the Wrong Side of Globalization In-Reply-To: <5325FA1E.6070900@wzb.eu> References: <003801cf4141$c027d7b0$40778710$@gmail.com> <5325FA1E.6070900@wzb.eu> Message-ID: <00b501cf4150$e56def50$b049cdf0$@gmail.com> Hmmm... the "Internet Freedom" campaign? M -----Original Message----- From: Jeanette Hofmann [mailto:jeanette at wzb.eu] Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2014 12:23 PM To: michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; bestbits Subject: Re: [bestbits] FW: [A2k] Joseph Stiglitz in the New York Times (Opinionator Blog): On the Wrong Side of Globalization Thank you for this link. Stiglitz' comparison of trade agreements with the Opium wars is pretty cool. Considering that the British fought for free trade to protect their profits from selling opium one might wonder what future generations think of the free flow of information. jeanette Am 16.03.14 19:01, schrieb michael gurstein: > Perhaps the discussions on Internet Governance should be seen as a > form of trade negotiation. I think it is clear that at least some of > the participating "stakeholders" recognize the connection > . > > M > > -----Original Message----- > From: A2k [mailto:a2k-bounces at lists.keionline.org] On Behalf Of Thiru > Balasubramaniam > Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2014 4:36 AM > To: a2k at lists.keionline.org; Ip-health at lists.keionline.org > Subject: [A2k] Joseph Stiglitz in the New York Times (Opinionator Blog): > On the Wrong Side of Globalization > > http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/15/on-the-wrong-side-of-g > lobalization/ > > THE GREAT > DIVIDE ?module=BlogCategory&version=Blog%20Post&action=Click&contentCollectio > n=Opinion&pgtype=Blogs®ion=Header> > > MARCH 15, 2014, 5:06 PM > > On the Wrong Side of Globalization > > By JOSEPH E. > STIGLITZ /> > > Trade agreements are a subject that can cause the eyes to glaze over, > but we should all be paying attention. Right now, there are trade > proposals in the works that threaten to put most Americans on the > wrong side of globalization. > > The conflicting views about the agreements are actually tearing at the > fabric of the Democratic > Party -doubt-on-pillar-of-us-trade-agenda.html?action=click&module=Search&re > gion=searchResults%230&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fs > earch%2Fsitesearch%2F%23%2Fdemocrats%2Btpp%2F>, > > though you wouldn't know it from President Obama's rhetoric. In his > State of the Union address, for example, he blandly referred to "new > trade partnerships" that would "create more jobs." Most immediately at > issue is the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, which would bring > together 12 countries along the Pacific Rim in what would be the > largest free trade area in the world. > > Negotiations for the TPP began in 2010, for the purpose, according to > the United States Trade > Representative 011/november/outlines-trans-pacific-partnership-agreement>, > > of increasing trade and investment, through lowering tariffs and other > trade barriers among participating countries. But the TPP negotiations > have been taking place in secret, forcing us to rely on leaked > drafts to > guess at the proposed provisions. At the same time, Congress > introduced a > bill ns_bill_would_allow_the_white_house_to_fast_track_the_controversial.ht > ml> > > this > > year that would grant the White House filibuster-proof fast-track > authority, under which Congress simply approves or rejects whatever > trade agreement is put before it, without revisions or amendments. > > Controversy has erupted, and justifiably so. Based on the leaks -- and > the history of arrangements in past trade pacts -- it is easy to infer > the shape of the whole TPP, and it doesn't look good. There is a real > risk that it will benefit the wealthiest sliver of the American and > global elite at the expense of everyone else. The fact that such a > plan is under consideration at all is testament to how deeply > inequality reverberates through our economic policies. > > Worse, agreements like the TPP are only one aspect of a larger problem: > our gross mismanagement of globalization. > > Let's tackle the history first. In general, trade deals today are > markedly different from those made in the decades following World War > II, when negotiations focused on lowering tariffs. As tariffs came > down on all sides, trade expanded, and each country could develop the > sectors in which it had strengths and as a result, standards of living > would rise. Some jobs would be lost, but new jobs would be created. > > Today, the purpose of trade agreements is different. Tariffs around > the world are already low. The focus has shifted to "nontariff barriers," > and the most important of these -- for the corporate interests pushing > agreements -- are regulations. Huge multinational corporations > complain that inconsistent regulations make business costly. But most > of the regulations, even if they are imperfect, are there for a > reason: to protect workers, consumers, the economy and the environment. > > What's more, those regulations were often put in place by governments > responding to the democratic demands of their citizens. Trade agreements' > > new boosters euphemistically claim that they are simply after > regulatory harmonization, a clean-sounding phrase that implies an > innocent plan to promote efficiency. One could, of course, get > regulatory harmonization by strengthening regulations to the highest > standards everywhere. But when corporations call for harmonization, > what they really mean is a race to the bottom. > > When agreements like the TPP govern international trade -- when every > country has agreed to similarly minimal regulations -- multinational > corporations can return to the practices that were common before the > Clean Air and Clean Water Acts became law (in 1970 and 1972, > respectively) and before the latest financial crisis hit. Corporations > everywhere may well agree that getting rid of regulations would be > good for corporate profits. > > Trade negotiators might be persuaded that these trade agreements would > be good for trade and corporate profits. But there would be some big > losers -- namely, the rest of us. > > These high stakes are why it is especially risky to let trade > negotiations proceed in secret. All over the world, trade ministries > are captured by corporate and financial interests. And when > negotiations are secret, there is no way that the democratic process > can exert the checks and balances required to put limits on the > negative effects of these agreements. > > The secrecy might be enough to cause significant controversy for the TPP. > > What we know of its particulars only makes it more unpalatable. One of > the worst is that it allows corporations to seek restitution in an > international tribunal, not only for unjust expropriation, but also > for alleged diminution of their potential profits as a result of regulation. > > This is not a theoretical problem. Philip Morris has already tried > this tactic against Uruguay, claiming that its antismoking > regulations, which have won accolades from the World Health > Organization, unfairly hurt profits, violating a bilateral trade > treaty between Switzerland and Uruguay. In this sense, recent trade > agreements are reminiscent of the Opium Wars, in which Western powers > successfully demanded that China keep itself open to opium because > they saw it as vital in correcting what otherwise would be a large trade imbalance. > > Provisions already incorporated in other trade agreements are being > used elsewhere to undermine environmental and other regulations. > Developing countries pay a high price for signing on to these > provisions, but the evidence that they get more investment in return > is scant and controversial. And though these countries are the most > obvious victims, the same issue could become a problem for the United States, as well. > American corporations could conceivably create a subsidiary in some > Pacific Rim country, invest in the United States through that > subsidiary, and then take action against the United States government > -- getting rights as a "foreign" > > company that they would not have had as an American company. Again, > this is not just a theoretical possibility: There is already some > evidence that companies are choosing how to funnel their money into > different countries on the basis of where their legal position in > relation to the government is strongest. > > There are other noxious provisions. America has been fighting to lower > the cost of health care. But the TPP would make the introduction of > generic drugs more difficult, and thus raise the price of medicines. > In the poorest countries, this is not just about moving money into > corporate coffers: > > thousands would die unnecessarily. Of course, those who do research > have to be compensated. That's why we have a patent system. But the > patent system is supposed to carefully balance the benefits of > intellectual protection with another worthy goal: making access to > knowledge more available. I've > written al-property-reinforces-inequality/> > > before > > about how the system has been abused by those seeking patents for the > genes that predispose women to breast cancer. The Supreme Court ended > up rejecting those patents, but not before many women suffered unnecessarily. > > Trade agreements provide even more > > opportunities llectual-property-reinforces-inequality/> > > for > > patent abuse. > > The worries mount. One way of reading the leaked negotiation documents > suggests that the TPP would make it easier for American banks to sell > risky derivatives around the world, perhaps setting us up for the same > kind of crisis that led to the Great Recession. > > In spite of all this, there are those who passionately support the TPP > and agreements like it, including many economists. What makes this > support possible is bogus, debunked economic theory, which has > remained in circulation mostly because it serves the interests of the wealthiest. > > Free trade was a central tenet of economics in the discipline's early > years. Yes, there are winners and losers, the theory went, but the > winners can always compensate the losers, so that free trade (or even > freer trade) is a win-win. This conclusion, unfortunately, is based on > numerous assumptions, many of which are simply wrong. > > The older theories, for instance, simply ignored risk, and assumed > that workers could move seamlessly between jobs. It was assumed that > the economy was at full employment, so that workers displaced by > globalization would quickly move from low-productivity sectors (which > had thrived simply because foreign competition was kept at bay through > tariffs and other trade > > restrictions) to high-productivity sectors. But when there is a high > level of unemployment, and especially when a large percentage of the > unemployed have been out of work long-term (as is the case now), there > can't be such complacency. > > Today, there are 20 million Americans who would like a full-time job > but can't get one. Millions have stopped looking. So there is a real > risk that individuals moved from low productivity-employment in a > protected sector will end up zero-productivity members of the vast > ranks of the unemployed. > > This hurts even those who keep their jobs, as higher unemployment puts > downward pressure on wages. > > We can argue over why our economy isn't performing the way it's > supposed to > > -- whether it's because of a lack of aggregate demand, or because our > banks, more interested in speculation and market manipulation than > lending, are not providing adequate funds to small and medium-size > enterprises. But whatever the reasons, the reality is that these trade > agreements do risk increasing unemployment. > > One of the reasons that we are in such bad shape is that we have > mismanaged globalization. Our economic policies encourage the > outsourcing of jobs: > > Goods produced abroad with cheap labor can be cheaply brought back > into the United States. So American workers understand that they have > to compete with those abroad, and their bargaining power is weakened. > This is one of the reasons that the real median income of full-time > male workers is lower than it > was rum.html?action=click&module=Search®ion=searchResults%230&version=& > url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3 > Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit > %26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry653%23%2Fbonior+tpp&_r=1> > > 40 > > years ago. > > American politics today compounds these problems. Even in the best of > circumstances, the old free trade theory said only that the winners > could compensate the losers, not that they would. And they haven't -- > quite the opposite. Advocates of trade agreements often say that for > America to be competitive, not only will wages have to be cut, but so > will taxes and expenditures, especially on programs that are of > benefit to ordinary citizens. We should accept the short-term pain, > they say, because in the long run, all will benefit. But as John > Maynard Keynes famously said in another context, "in the long run we > are all dead." In this case, there is little evidence that the trade > agreements will lead to faster or more profound growth. > > Critics of the TPP are so numerous because both the process and the > theory that undergird it are bankrupt. Opposition has blossomed not > just in the United States, but also in Asia, where the talks have stalled. > > By leading a full-on rejection of fast-track authority for the TPP, > the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, seems to have given us all a > little respite. Those who see trade agreements as enriching > corporations at the expense of the 99 percent seem to have won this > skirmish. But there is a broader war to ensure that trade policy -- > and globalization more generally > > -- is designed so as to increase the standards of living of most Americans. > > The outcome of that war remains uncertain. > > In this series, I have repeatedly made two points: The first is that > the high level of inequality in the United States today, and its > enormous increase during the past 30 years, is the cumulative result > of an array of policies, programs and laws. Given that the president > himself has emphasized that inequality should be the country's top > priority, every new policy, program or law should be examined from the > perspective of its impact on inequality. Agreements like the TPP have > contributed in important ways to this inequality. Corporations may > profit, and it is even possible, though far from assured, that gross > domestic product as conventionally measured will increase. But the > well-being of ordinary citizens is likely to take a hit. > > And this brings me to the second point that I have repeatedly emphasized: > > Trickle-down economics is a myth. Enriching corporations -- as the TPP > would > > -- will not necessarily help those in the middle, let alone those at > the bottom. > > _______________________________________________ > > A2k mailing list > > A2k at lists.keionline.org > > http://lists.keionline.org/mailman/listinfo/a2k_lists.keionline.org > From ian.peter at ianpeter.com Sun Mar 16 15:52:14 2014 From: ian.peter at ianpeter.com (Ian Peter) Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 06:52:14 +1100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 In-Reply-To: <9B03F5AF-CF0B-4931-B968-66C33903C6ED@mail.utoronto.ca> References: <5800F791D3D64A5FA6894D71AD81A110@Toshiba> <13BCD87FE58E4B7FA8F84F203701E533@Toshiba> <532598D1.90103@acm.org> <9B03F5AF-CF0B-4931-B968-66C33903C6ED@mail.utoronto.ca> Message-ID: yes, I agree with Avri and Stephanie - instead of primary, fundamental, essential, or even important would work better than my original suggestion. Also agree with Stephanie's suggestion to reiterate the values. -----Original Message----- From: Stephanie Perrin Sent: Monday, March 17, 2014 1:38 AM To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org ; Avri Doria Cc: Bits bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [bestbits] Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 +1 Avri. I was thinking "fundamental" might work but I like "essential " better, I think. I was wondering if it would be worthwhile also so reiterate the values that are mentioned in the press release, or a broader statement of values. We need to hang on very strongly to the "free and open" etc. values, it does not go without saying in a multi-stakeholder model. Stephanie On 2014-03-16, at 8:28 AM, Avri Doria wrote: > > > On 15-Mar-14 20:42, Ian Peter wrote: >> 2. I wouldn’t describe the role of technical organisations as “primary” >> – administrative perhaps? > > > I do not think that the role of the IETF, is administrative. Perhaps > Primary has a connotation of most important that you want to avoid, but > creating and maintaining the protocols that make the Internet possible is > a bit more than administration. > > Perhaps 'essential role' would work? Does not rank things (many > ingredients can all be essential) but does admit that without them, we > have nothing. Critical would be another possible word, but that word seem > to carry more connotations than essential. > > I support such a press release as long as it does not back off the notions > of multistakeholder particpatory democracy - albeit they are still > unfolding. It is good to indicate that off course this does not work out > the same in all contexts (aka not one size fits all), but we ought to > persist in defining that full participation by all stakeholders in the > process is essential. > > avri > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: governance at lists.igcaucus.org To be removed from the list, visit: http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing For all other list information and functions, see: http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: http://www.igcaucus.org/ Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t From kichango at gmail.com Sun Mar 16 16:51:28 2014 From: kichango at gmail.com (Mawaki Chango) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 20:51:28 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 In-Reply-To: <53257CE5.2060703@itforchange.net> References: <53257CE5.2060703@itforchange.net> Message-ID: Parminder, Thanks for the opportunity to clarify. On Sun, Mar 16, 2014 at 10:28 AM, parminder wrote: > > Mawaki > > Thanks for this effort. > > As often and variously discussed on this list, terms like 'equitable > multistakholder policy development model' are very problematic unless we > have some basic definition of what is meant here, and it clearly excludes > decision making on public policy issues... > I am not sure why you think decision making on public policy issues should be excluded from mutistakeholder model or mechanisms, whatever their formal or theoretical definition (but based on our common understanding or the meaning we commonly ascribed to that term when we use it in this Ig context.) Do you mean that policymaking is the exclusive role of the government or intergovernmental bodies? If so, do you think this may have been so in some period in the history of human societies but that may evolve? And if so, would you accept the idea that such evolution may not necessarily be clean cut but from start but fuzzy and laborious and experimental at the beginning, and that it may be experimented in just one or a few sectors before extending to other domains of governance? I may agree that at this point in history, governments ratify public policies, they have the final say, the ultimate authority to really enforce them to the extent that those policies are really public. But why public policies cannot be developed by all stakeholders (if that's your position)? And developing policies isn't that part of policymaking? If you do mean to suggest that policymaking is the exclusive role of the government or intergovernmental bodies in this area of Ig, I'm afraid to say that from my understanding of past discussions on this list, that is unlikely to represent a consensus view. Then shall we go back there again? > This particular language should therefore be struck out. > > Also, our communication , immediately after welcoming the decision and > complimenting US gov for it, should upfront say that we are eager to know > more details - especially about (1) whether it means that ICANN would no > longer be under any contractual obligations with the US gov, and be in > independent control of the root zone server, and (2) what happens to the > issue of jurisdiction of incorporation of ICANN and it being subject to US > laws and such and (3) whether any conditions would be imposed in 'freeing > ICANN' and if so, of what nature.... > Well, it is my understanding that USG has not by this decision opened negotiations with IGC and other Internet stakeholders. They were in a position and just announced they are willing to relinquish. As could be expected they want to have a say in or an eye on what will follow (no transition to intergovernmental arrangement plus the fours principles as guidelines.) For the rest they say ICANN has to develop a transition proposal which should include the details of what will follow. So I think apart from the 4 principles and the one litmus test they spelled out in the announcement, all your questions above can only be answered in the transition proposal to be developed with our participation and that of all other stakeholders. Mawaki > And that we look forward to complete and real globalisation of ICANN, in > a manner that takes care of these issues.. > > Also, a minor point, about one but last para, governance institutions do > not have customers, only constituencies and the such... > > Thanks, parminder > > > On Sunday 16 March 2014 02:40 AM, Mawaki Chango wrote: > > > Dear All, > > Please find a draft of the above subject for your consideration and > possible revisions. This is just a first crack attempted considering the > speed of the events. I'm cc'ing BB as a peer organization with same > concerns. > > We would appreciate your inputs by Monday noon, UTC. > --- > > IGC Draft Press Release > > On March 14, U.S. Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and > Information Administration (NTIA) announced its intent to relinquish the > oversight role it has played so far with the Internet Corporation for > Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) regarding key Internet domain name > functions. As the announcement points out, this marks the final phase of > the transition intended from the inception of ICANN toward the > privatization of the domain name system (DNS) and its stewardship. > > > > The Internet Governance Caucus (IGC) welcomes this decision and > appreciates the opportunity to further evolve toward an equitable > multistakeholder policymaking model for the governance of the Internet. In > that regard, IGC pays a particular attention to the reiteration by NTIA of > the necessity to involve all stakeholders in the process as well as in the > desired outcome for fully completing the above transition. [If deemed > relevant by members and subject to what the following actually entails: > "Meet the needs and expectation of the global customers and partners of the > IANA services"] We also support the four principles put forward by NTIA to > guide ICANN and the global Internet community in the formulation of a > proposal to finalize this transition. > > > While acknowledging the primary role of Internet organizations and > technical standard-setting bodies, IGC wishes to call attention to the > utmost importance of giving due consideration to the concerns and views of > non-technical and non-commercial stakeholders in Internet policies. Indeed > IGC supports the multistakeholder policymaking model to the extent that it > does not contradict the ideals of democracy, including due consideration to > the rights of minorities (in the context of Internet policy). It will be a > constant challenge to make sure the term 'multistakeholder' is not reduced > to mean 'anti-all-governments-of-the-world' but is rather open to embrace a > 'pro-all-peoples-of-the-world' meaning. > > > Furthermore, a great deal of care should be given to designing the > appropriate accountability mechanisms that fits a truly global governance > institution - with a constituency and a customer base that actually is > global. Related to that and more broadly, adequate responses must be found > to the concern that while achieving effective accountability such > institution (to emerge from this transition) should not be subject to any > one national jurisdiction at the exclusion of others. It must be equally > available and accessible to all Internet stakeholders. > > > Since ICANN is one of the co-conveners of the upcoming NETMundial, the > Global Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance (www.netmundial.br) > to be held in Brazil this April, we advise that it includes in its > consultation process for the transition proposal the propositions made in > submissions, proceedings and outcomes of that meeting as regards the > phasing out of the current role played by NTIA in the coordination of the > Internet's domain name system. > > > > The Internet Governance Caucus > > March xx, 2014. > > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kichango at gmail.com Sun Mar 16 16:54:31 2014 From: kichango at gmail.com (Mawaki Chango) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 20:54:31 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Fouad, Thank you for these enlightening comments. That was helpful. Mawaki On Sun, Mar 16, 2014 at 12:27 PM, Fouad Bajwa wrote: > Hi Mawaki, > > Thank you for taking the initiative and putting in the effort. In my > personal view, IGC should be strongly concerned about the policy > making mechanisms of both this change the its future thus this should > be well mentioned. > > It is very unclear of how this model will evolve in the future. Will > ICANN continue to be that body that manages the IANA function, what is > the future of IANA then? > > Will IANA and ICANN be integrated into one organizational model and > how will this organization be moved out of the US and that brings us > back to the initial discussions on the IGC list about the various > possible models including one where ICANN be located to Geneva and > thereof act as an International organization and go into agreements, > treaty or non-treaty bindings with the participation of various > multilateral or bilateral, civil society, technical community and > private sector organizations and bodies. > > It is also important to see how Governments are reacting to this and > the Singapore ICANN Public Meeting will be a good space to see how the > GAC responds or the statements that come out of there. > > This is a whole new process and we have to find a way to keep IGC > involved inside out of the present and future of this transition where > IGC also holds ground in all policy development processes of this new > form of Internet Governance of the Domain and Naming Space of the > Internet. > > As far as the issue of primary Internet organizations are concerned, > that role has evolved to their present state and the Domain and IP > owners, users, consumers or whatever the human role in the > transactional value of domains be, is very primary and important so > that cannot be left to just mentioning Internet organizations as > primary, the human being or user or consumer is primary and thats who > makes this whole system work and creates the demand for this political > economy to operate. > > The new role of ICANN or any for the operation and management of an > internationalized and independent domain name space beyond the control > of any nation requires that stakeholders are clearly mentioned and > brought into such a space on equal footing and grounds. That is not > the case as such. > > The present ICANN community development processes do inhibit > participation from across the world and though there are some > productive efforts in place but they are not abundant. > > Mawaki, when you say [consideration to the concerns and views of > non-technical and non-commercial stakeholders in Internet policies], > that becomes the version of ICANN itself and a terminology that it > uses to create a crack between the Non-Profit or Non-Private Sector > groups that work consistently to find common grounds to work together > but are subject to hierarchy. > > IF we look at the present state of the Board of ICANN, you will find a > great deal of imbalance that I have already mentioned. > > The statement needs to be reviewed to represent a collective voice of > IGC and in its own words rather than terminology incorporated from > ICANN lingo. > > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kichango at gmail.com Sun Mar 16 17:53:28 2014 From: kichango at gmail.com (Mawaki Chango) Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 21:53:28 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 In-Reply-To: References: <5800F791D3D64A5FA6894D71AD81A110@Toshiba> <13BCD87FE58E4B7FA8F84F203701E533@Toshiba> <532598D1.90103@acm.org> <9B03F5AF-CF0B-4931-B968-66C33903C6ED@mail.utoronto.ca> Message-ID: Dear Sivasubramanian, Then my response still remains. Suffices to say there is an ideal of democracy and there are democracies (actual instantiations of the former) that do not live up to the ideal -- and I mentioned the most recent case of Egypt but there are plenty of others. And if that can happen to something called democracy and formally designed as such, you bet that can happen to a multistakeholder governance structure. After all, what does "multi-stake-holder" mean per se to make you think it will necessarily and always function as a better democracy? Is there anything in the word that suggests so? No. Can stakeholders turn out to form a smoke screen diverting from the interests of the larger public or the people? You bet they can. Mawaki p.s. I'd agree with McTim to un-cc BB from now on, maybe... On Sun, Mar 16, 2014 at 9:04 PM, Sivasubramanian M wrote: > Dear Mawaki > > > On Mon, Mar 17, 2014 at 12:56 AM, Mawaki Chango wrote: > >> Hello, >> >> >> On Sun, Mar 16, 2014 at 5:37 PM, Sivasubramanian M wrote: >> >>> Hello >>> >>> IGC supports the multistakeholder policymaking model to the extent that >>>> it does not contradict the ideals of democracy, including due consideration >>>> to the rights of minorities (in the context of Internet policy) >>> >>> >>> "to the extent that Mutli-stakeholder model >>> contradict the ideals of democracy"? >>> Multi-stakeholder model is expanded democracy, the next step in the >>> further evolution of democracy. Is there room for this model to contradict >>> the ideals of democracy??? >>> >> >> Sorry, you completely misread this... Or you are objecting to yourself >> since you're the one who took the 'NOT' out of that sentence by re-typing >> it instead of just reading the original one correctly. It reads: "does NOT >> contradict..." >> > > No, It was just an omission while retyping. I did notice "does not". The > rest of what I wrote stands unchanged. The point I was making is that the > premise underlying the condition was not valid. So I asked "Multi-stakeholder > model is expanded democracy, the next step in the further evolution of > democracy. Is there room for this model to contradict the ideals of > democracy???" > > Thank you > Sivasubramanian M > > >> >>> >>> "consideration of rights of minorities" - If this is a Global process, >>> open for participation from all stake-holders, from every nation, the >>> policies that would emerge out of the process is bound to be balanced. The >>> intention behind this thought about the "rights" of minorities might be >>> noble, but as unintended consequences, this idea of special attention could >>> lead to politicization of the process. >>> >> >> This has nothing to do with 'special attention' or with special interests >> or with ethnic or cultural minorities (I put the following in parentheses >> in front of the word 'minorities': 'in the context of Internet policy' >> precisely to signal that this is not about cultural or ethnic >> minorities.) Suresh's reading is right; it is about inclusiveness and >> consensus building. I was trying to avoid limiting the reference to >> democracy to its most common instances or simplistic understanding whereby >> the winner (majority) takes all, in favor of the ideals of democracy >> whereby the majority still has to take the views or interests of the >> minority into consideration while governing (think of Egypt and the >> democratically elected President Morsi.) More precisely (and completely >> unrelated to Egypt in my mind), I borrow the notion of "rights of >> minorities" from Hannah Arendt in her analysis of totalitarianism. But I >> hear you and will try to reconsider the wording. >> >> Thanks, >> Mawaki >> >> >> >>> In India the intention to protect minority interests began with policies >>> of special attention, special laws and reservation of seats for minorities >>> in education, work and politics and this move to ensure social justice has >>> also caused some imbalance in a certain way; In the US, the Government's >>> openness to representation by Special Interest and Lobby groups, at least >>> occasionally, results in a situation where the amplified voice of the lobby >>> group wins over the muted voice or silence of others. Certainly a global >>> process can not create a situation where minorities would be neglected, but >>> this needs to be achieved in a manner that does not complicate the goodness >>> of the process. Instead of mentioning "minorities" we could say "all" >>> >>> Sivasubramanian M >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> > > > -- > Sivasubramanian Muthusamy > India +91 99524 03099 > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From fouadbajwa at gmail.com Sun Mar 16 18:22:50 2014 From: fouadbajwa at gmail.com (Fouad Bajwa) Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 03:22:50 +0500 Subject: [URGENT] NTIA statement published for sign-on (was: Re: [bestbits] NTIA announcment) In-Reply-To: <82F5E1B4-E26E-4DB4-B499-757D5B1CE9B3@Malcolm.id.au> References: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> <53237B16.1060202@wzb.eu> <76B8A695-5263-43E7-A27C-C57770D30D51@gmail.com> <3362A131-5F5A-4B0A-A89F-C85275BBCC62@gmail.com> <53249638.8010105@apc.org> <7ED858F5-DCAC-4255-A39B-5B823DA72AE6@gmail.com> <5324A3B0.8070205@apc.org> <3260E8E1-AE94-4F31-919D-D5280B9B646A@Malcolm.id.au> <82F5E1B4-E26E-4DB4-B499-757D5B1CE9B3@Malcolm.id.au> Message-ID: Jeremy, one thing i've felt missing from both the Best Bits and IGC statements are full involvement of civil society etc from "both developing and developed countries". The intention to be specific and include the terms in the inverted commas is to assert that actual stakeholders can participate from around the world. On Sun, Mar 16, 2014 at 5:26 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: > Please now see http://bestbits.net/ntia-announcement/ where I have published > the statement below with just two minor amendments to cover sensitivities > about how we describe statements published through the Best Bits platform, > viz. "adding "The undersigned" before "members of the Best Bits coalition" > at the start, and the title changed from "Best Bits welcomes" to "Civil > society representatives welcome". > > So that we can get in early for Monday morning, please endorse this joint > statement as soon as possible if you agree with it. The address again: > > http://bestbits.net/ntia-announcement/ > > Thanks! > > On 16 Mar 2014, at 9:53 am, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: > > On 16 Mar 2014, at 3:02 am, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > > DRAFT Best Bits welcomes NTIA announcement on transition of key internet > domain name functions > > Members of the Best Bits coalition welcome the announcement made by the > United States Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and > Information Administration (NTIA) of its 'intent to transition key internet > domain name functions to the global multi-stakeholder community.' > > NTIA's responsibility under current agreements means it has served as the > "historic steward" of the DNS (internet domain name system). The fact that a > single government currently plays this role, even if it has not been a > particularly "hands-on" role, has been cause for concern and debate among > governments and other stakeholders for more than a decade. > > We commend the NTIA for committing to the transition to a multi-stakeholder > process that needs full involvement of civil society, governments, business > and the internet technical community (to mention just some of the current > stakeholders affected by internet decision making) and for requiring that > the resulting transition plan maintains the openness of the internet. > > This is however not trivial, as mechanisms for democratising internet > governance, and ensuring really effective and inclusive participation of all > who are affected by internet policy making and standard setting are still > evolving. A transition away from US government oversight does not in itself > guarantee inclusion, transparency and accountability or protection of the > public interest in the management of DNS and the root zone. Nevertheless, > this is a very constructive step, definitely in the right direction, and a > unique opportunity to make progress in the evolution of the internet > governance ecosystem. This is particularly important for stakeholders from > developing countries. > > We recommend that ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and > Numbers), to which the NTIA is entrusting the development of the transition > plan, look beyond its own internal multi-stakeholder processes in bringing > together the larger community for the necessary consultations on how this > transition should be undertaken. We also recommend that ICANN consider the > submissions about how this transition can take place that were made to the > upcoming NetMundial: Global Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance - > www.netmundial.br - to be held in Brazil in late April 2014. > > > I support us releasing this statement for sign-on, and can have it online in > the next few hours, after leaving some more time for any amendments to be > suggested. Please follow up by 12pm Sunday GMT/UTC with any amendments if > you can (ie. about 10 hours from now). Thanks Anriette. > > -- > Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com > Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek > host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' > > WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to > enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. > > > -- > Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com > Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek > host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' > > WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to > enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. > > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. > To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: > http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits -- Regards. -------------------------- Fouad Bajwa ICT4D and Internet Governance Advisor My Blog: Internet's Governance: http://internetsgovernance.blogspot.com/ Follow my Tweets: http://twitter.com/fouadbajwa From Guru at ITforChange.net Sun Mar 16 23:13:25 2014 From: Guru at ITforChange.net (=?UTF-8?B?R3VydSDgpJfgpYHgpLDgpYE=?=) Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 08:43:25 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] The web we want Message-ID: <53266855.7030907@ITforChange.net> The World Wide Web turned 25 last week. After the invention of the printing press, this is the most defining development in the world of communication. Its impact is still growing and its full potential yet to be realised despite the many changes it has brought in its wake.... ....Tim Berners-Lee maintains that there are a few principles which allowed the web, as a platform, to support such growth. “By design, the Web is universal, royalty-free, open and decentralised. Thousands of people worked together to build the early Web in an amazing, non-national spirit of collaboration; tens of thousands more invented the applications and services that make it so useful to us today, and there is still room for each one of us to create new things on and through the Web,” he declared.... in March 1989, a British scientist, Tim Berners-Lee, working at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, submitted a rather simple sounding paper titled “Information Management: A Proposal” that gave birth to the World Wide Web. And how does he view his creation? Why did he not opt for a proprietary system where he would have minted billions? Why did he advocate an online “Magna Carta” to protect and enshrine the independence of the medium he created and the rights of its users worldwide? His answers capture his concerns. In an interview to the BBC he said: “As to making lots of money? If I’d made it something which was a proprietary system then it would not have taken off. The only reason it took off is because people were prepared to invest in it because it’s open and free… ....The forthcoming “Global Multistakeholder Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance,” to be held in São Paulo, Brazil, in April is a crucial development. In India, last month, a new coalition — Just Net Coalition (JNC) — was formed to provide inputs for this meeting. Its main arguments are: “a set of principles that should underpin the emergence of an Internet that advances human rights and social justice globally, and the reconfiguration of Internet governance into a truly democratic space. *These principles are based on a recognition that the Internet has become a vitally important social infrastructure that profoundly impacts our societies; and on the observation that opportunities for the many to participate in the very real benefits of the Internet, and to fully realise its enormous potential, are being thwarted by growing control of the Internet by politically, economically and socially dominant actors. Existing governance arrangements for the global Internet suffer from a lack of democracy; an absence of legitimacy, accountability and transparency; excessive corporate influence and regulatory capture; and too few opportunities for effective participation by people, especially from developing countries.”** * read the full article at http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/Readers-Editor/the-web-we-want/article5792955.ece read the JNC principles document at http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/towards-a-just-and-equitable-internet-for-all/110 regards Guru -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From avri at acm.org Wed Mar 5 02:43:38 2014 From: avri at acm.org (Avri Doria) Date: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 07:43:38 +0000 Subject: [governance] [bestbits] RSVP - discussion of governance mechanisms (was Re: substantive proposals for Brazil summit - IG) In-Reply-To: <1146D0C6-9ABB-4DB5-8D4E-E0DE8664ED04@post.harvard.edu> References: <00ea01cf2409$3208d920$961a8b60$@gmail.com><20140207150553.775173a6@quill> <156454A2925A4E8EB1F5913597EC11E0@Toshiba> <52F55F3B.4010408@acm.org> <02c701cf2498$acd5dec0$06819c40$@gmail.com> <52F71A0E.2090406@itforchange.net> <1146D0C6-9ABB-4DB5-8D4E-E0DE8664ED04@post.harvard.edu> Message-ID: <5316D5AA.3060400@acm.org> Hi, The idea that Davos is a good example of multistakeholder process is, in my opinion a straw dog argument. When most of us talk about multistakeholder, we do not talk about just a special handful of polite CS invitees, but an open door for multistakeholder actors. Davos, again in my opinion, has nothing to do with multistakeholder policy making except for those who want to continue to use their influence within their own governments to the exclusion of others. avri On 03-Mar-14 15:44, David Allen wrote: > Though I am seriously late to find - thank goodness for it. > > Terrifying, for me anyway. Should be read widely. So much thanks to Parminder for sending. > > David > > > On Feb 9, 2014, at 1:02 AM, parminder wrote: > >> >> please read this carefully. This is what multistakeholderism is all about >> >> http://www.tni.org/article/not-everybodys-business >> >> The WEF at Davos is its prototype, and it is certainly post-democratic.. >> >> Hope civil society groups (the IG kind) wake up before it is too late, and history questions its role in subverting democracy. >> >> parminder > From dave at difference.com.au Mon Mar 17 01:46:55 2014 From: dave at difference.com.au (David Cake) Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 13:46:55 +0800 Subject: [bestbits] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net> References: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net> Message-ID: On 10 Mar 2014, at 6:26 pm, Guru गुरु wrote: > Dear all, > > Not clear, how in Multistakeholderism, where the private sector has an equal footing in public policy making, we will get Google to agree that its search algorithm, as the key factor organising the worlds information/knowledge for all of us, needs to be public knowledge, not a commercial secret. The need for it to be public knowledge stems from privacy/surveillance concerns, because such fundamental knowledge ought to be available as 'cultural commons' that others can take/re-use/revise, fostering competition etc. Indeed. It is particularly unclear because many in civil society, or government for that matter, might oppose it becoming public knowledge. Such a course of action would almost certainly lead to many Google searches returning results ranked according to the most industrious search engine optimisation service customers, rather than having at least a reasonable chance of being ranked in a useful way. Google have revealed quite a few aspects of how they store search information, and how they use it, and what they have revealed is of significant value in assessing the privacy implications (and FWIW, they de-identify most search data after 6 months, or at least that was the case when I was last given a detailed briefing in 2012). But they have good reasons for keeping the details of their search algorithms secret that go beyond simple desire to keep the details of their business secret - an algorithm that is public is one that will be gamed by search engine optimization services, thus rendering the service significantly less useful. I don't see rendering googles searches vulnerable to SEO to be a useful public policy goal. I appreciate the idea of their basic algorithms being part of the cultural commons, but they have revealed their basic technique I'm not arguing against oversight. But expecting revelation of trade secrets, even when it destroys both the commercial advantage gained by their development, AND the utility of the service to the general public, seems to push that principle too far. Cheers David > > regards, > Guru > > Google faces Rs 30,500-cr fine in India > New Delhi, PTI: March 9, 2014 > > Google can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion if it is found to have violated competition norms of the country. Google, which is facing anti-trust investigation in India by fair trade watchdog Competition Commission of India (CCI), can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion (Rs 30,500 crore) if it is found to have violated competition norms of the country. > > Google said it is “extending full cooperation” to the CCI in its investigation. The conclusion of a two-year review by the US antitrust watchdog has concluded that the company's services were good for competition, it added. The case has been before the CCI for over two years now, and it relates to allegations that Google is abusing its dominant position. Under competition regulations, an entity found violating the norms could be slapped with penalty of up to 10 per cent of its three-year annual average turnover. In the case of Google, its annual revenues in the last three years amounts to a staggering $49.3 billion (Rs 3.01 lakh crore), and the maximum penalty can be up to nearly $5 billion. > > When asked about the ongoing probe and the potential penalty, a Google spokesperson said: “We are extending full co-operation to the Competition Commission of India in their investigation.” The emailed statement added: “We're pleased that the conclusion of the Federal Trade Commission's two-year review was that Google's services are good for users and good for competition.” > > A complaint filed with the CCI cannot be withdrawn. The complaint against Google, also one of the world's most valued company, was first filed by advocacy group CUTS International way back in late 2011. Later. Matrimonial website matrimony.com Private Ltd also filed a complaint. Last year, CCI chairman Ashok Chawla had said the complaint was that the Google search engine favours platforms it wants to support. > > “That is, when you click on Google under a certain category, you will get the platforms where there is a tendency to put them in a certain order which may not be the fair and non-discriminatory. So, what is the software and what is the algorithmic search, (that is) what the investigation team is looking at,” Chawla had said. > > source - http://www.deccanherald.com/content/390977/google-faces-rs-30500-cr.html > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. > To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: > http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 455 bytes Desc: Message signed with OpenPGP using GPGMail URL: From Guru at ITforChange.net Mon Mar 17 01:52:35 2014 From: Guru at ITforChange.net (=?UTF-8?B?R3VydSDgpJfgpYHgpLDgpYE=?=) Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 11:22:35 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 In-Reply-To: References: <5800F791D3D64A5FA6894D71AD81A110@Toshiba> <13BCD87FE58E4B7FA8F84F203701E533@Toshiba> <532598D1.90103@acm.org> <9B03F5AF-CF0B-4931-B968-66C33903C6ED@mail.utoronto.ca> Message-ID: <53268DA3.9040606@ITforChange.net> well said, Mawaki regards Guru On 03/17/2014 03:23 AM, Mawaki Chango wrote: > Dear Sivasubramanian, > > Then my response still remains. Suffices to say there is an ideal of > democracy and there are democracies (actual instantiations of the > former) that do not live up to the ideal -- and I mentioned the most > recent case of Egypt but there are plenty of others. And if that can > happen to something called democracy and formally designed as such, > you bet that can happen to a multistakeholder governance structure. > After all, what does "multi-stake-holder" mean per se to make you > think it will necessarily and always function as a better democracy? > Is there anything in the word that suggests so? No. Can stakeholders > turn out to form a smoke screen diverting from the interests of the > larger public or the people? You bet they can. > > Mawaki > > p.s. I'd agree with McTim to un-cc BB from now on, maybe... > > > On Sun, Mar 16, 2014 at 9:04 PM, Sivasubramanian M > > wrote: > > Dear Mawaki > > > On Mon, Mar 17, 2014 at 12:56 AM, Mawaki Chango > > wrote: > > Hello, > > > On Sun, Mar 16, 2014 at 5:37 PM, Sivasubramanian M > > wrote: > > Hello > > IGC supports the multistakeholder policymaking model > to the extent that it does not contradict the ideals > of democracy, including due consideration to the > rights of minorities (in the context of Internet policy) > > > "to the extent that Mutli-stakeholder model > contradict the ideals of democracy"? > Multi-stakeholder model is expanded democracy, the next > step in the further evolution of democracy. Is there room > for this model to contradict the ideals of democracy??? > > > Sorry, you completely misread this... Or you are objecting to > yourself since you're the one who took the 'NOT' out of that > sentence by re-typing it instead of just reading the original > one correctly. It reads: "does NOT contradict..." > > > No, It was just an omission while retyping. I did notice "does > not". The rest of what I wrote stands unchanged. The point I was > making is that the premise underlying the condition was not valid. > So I asked "Multi-stakeholder model is expanded democracy, the > next step in the further evolution of democracy. Is there room for > this model to contradict the ideals of democracy???" > > Thank you > Sivasubramanian M > > > "consideration of rights of minorities" - If this is a > Global process, open for participation from all > stake-holders, from every nation, the policies that would > emerge out of the process is bound to be balanced. The > intention behind this thought about the "rights" > of minorities might be noble, but as unintended > consequences, this idea of special attention could > lead to politicization of the process. > > > This has nothing to do with 'special attention' or with > special interests or with ethnic or cultural minorities (I put > the following in parentheses in front of the word > 'minorities': 'in the context of Internet policy' precisely to > signal that this is not about cultural or ethnic > minorities.) Suresh's reading is right; it is about > inclusiveness and consensus building. I was trying to avoid > limiting the reference to democracy to its most common > instances or simplistic understanding whereby the winner > (majority) takes all, in favor of the ideals of democracy > whereby the majority still has to take the views or interests > of the minority into consideration while governing (think of > Egypt and the democratically elected President Morsi.) More > precisely (and completely unrelated to Egypt in my mind), I > borrow the notion of "rights of minorities" from Hannah Arendt > in her analysis of totalitarianism. But I hear you and will > try to reconsider the wording. > > Thanks, > Mawaki > > In India the intention to protect minority interests began > with policies of special attention, special laws and > reservation of seats for minorities in education, work and > politics and this move to ensure social justice has also > caused some imbalance in a certain way; In the US, the > Government's openness to representation by Special > Interest and Lobby groups, at least occasionally, results > in a situation where the amplified voice of the lobby > group wins over the muted voice or silence of others. > Certainly a global process can not create a situation > where minorities would be neglected, but this needs to be > achieved in a manner that does not complicate the goodness > of the process. Instead of mentioning "minorities" we > could say "all" > > Sivasubramanian M > > > > > > > > -- > Sivasubramanian Muthusamy > India +91 99524 03099 > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From isolatedn at gmail.com Mon Mar 17 03:07:20 2014 From: isolatedn at gmail.com (Sivasubramanian M) Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 12:37:20 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 In-Reply-To: <53268DA3.9040606@ITforChange.net> References: <5800F791D3D64A5FA6894D71AD81A110@Toshiba> <13BCD87FE58E4B7FA8F84F203701E533@Toshiba> <532598D1.90103@acm.org> <9B03F5AF-CF0B-4931-B968-66C33903C6ED@mail.utoronto.ca> <53268DA3.9040606@ITforChange.net> Message-ID: Dear all, The revised draft expresses the opinion and good intentions of the IGC much better. However some finer points: the Caucus wishes to particularly emphasize the need for maintaining the > openness and the global availability of the Internet while continuously > improving not only on its security but also on its safety for all users > around the globe. Instead of "security but also on its safety" we could say, "security of Internet at the same time preserving and furthering Civil Liberties for all users around the globe", ( 'safety' already forms part of 'security' , Civil Liberties are of greater concern ! ) across the world, in developed as well as in developing regions. "across the world" already includes 'developed' and 'developing' countries. If developing countries are to be seated equally, why do we insist on separation ? > Indeed IGC supports the multistakeholder policymaking model to the extent > that it is meant to be inclusive, bottom-up and consensus driven and, as > such, it enhances democracy by seeking further participation from all > people potentially impacted by its decision outcomes. It is our constant > concern to make sure the term ‘multistakeholder’ is not reduced to mean > ‘anti-intergovernmental’ or ‘private sector led’ but is rather positively > open to embrace and actualize a ‘pro-all-peoples-of-the-world’ meaning. The Internet Governance Caucus supports the multi-stakeholder policy making model as an inclusive, bottom-up, consensus driven model that enhances democracy by its inclusiveness of all people from around the world potentially impacted by its policy decision outcomes. With faith we express hope in the multi-stakeholder process, which could be defined and acknowledged as model different and clearly distinct from the "inter-governmental" or "private sector led" models, but rather as a more complete model, an inclusive model that positively embraces and actualizes participation by all stakeholders from around the world for the benefit of all the people of the world ( This change is suggested because the sentence "to make sure the term ...." could be misread to imply an accusation that term multi-stakeholder is already or is being reduced to mean 'anti-intergovernmental' or 'private sector led'. I felt that IGC could welcome the current development with more positive wording. This is an initial statement as a positive note, it is intended to be a broad statement, so even a reference to any of IGC's concerns could be broad and positive ) Finally, IGC is concerned that beyond phasing out NTIA’s current role, > there remains the question of the jurisdiction to be applicable to the > structure that will emerge from this transition. For such structure to be > truly global, the Caucus feels it is important that it not be subject to > one national jurisdiction but rather to an internationally recognized legal > mechanism. It is in this context that appropriate accountability > instruments should be carefully designed for the new governance institution. (Ideas expressed in the above sentence could be conveyed more gently, indicating a willingness to be patient) : The Internet Governance Caucus expresses hope that the IANA function would be managed as a truly global function, gradually with an internationally neutral judicial framework and that the new governance institution would constantly evolve suitable and appropriate accountability and transparency mechanisms. Sivasubramanian M On Mon, Mar 17, 2014 at 11:22 AM, Guru गुरु wrote: > well said, Mawaki > regards > Guru > > > On 03/17/2014 03:23 AM, Mawaki Chango wrote: > > Dear Sivasubramanian, > > Then my response still remains. Suffices to say there is an ideal of > democracy and there are democracies (actual instantiations of the former) > that do not live up to the ideal -- and I mentioned the most recent case of > Egypt but there are plenty of others. And if that can happen to something > called democracy and formally designed as such, you bet that can happen to > a multistakeholder governance structure. After all, what does > "multi-stake-holder" mean per se to make you think it will necessarily and > always function as a better democracy? Is there anything in the word that > suggests so? No. Can stakeholders turn out to form a smoke screen diverting > from the interests of the larger public or the people? You bet they can. > > Mawaki > > p.s. I'd agree with McTim to un-cc BB from now on, maybe... > > > On Sun, Mar 16, 2014 at 9:04 PM, Sivasubramanian M wrote: > >> Dear Mawaki >> >> >> On Mon, Mar 17, 2014 at 12:56 AM, Mawaki Chango wrote: >> >>> Hello, >>> >>> >>> On Sun, Mar 16, 2014 at 5:37 PM, Sivasubramanian M >> > wrote: >>> >>>> Hello >>>> >>>> IGC supports the multistakeholder policymaking model to the extent >>>>> that it does not contradict the ideals of democracy, including due >>>>> consideration to the rights of minorities (in the context of Internet >>>>> policy) >>>> >>>> >>>> "to the extent that Mutli-stakeholder model >>>> contradict the ideals of democracy"? >>>> Multi-stakeholder model is expanded democracy, the next step in the >>>> further evolution of democracy. Is there room for this model to contradict >>>> the ideals of democracy??? >>>> >>> >>> Sorry, you completely misread this... Or you are objecting to yourself >>> since you're the one who took the 'NOT' out of that sentence by re-typing >>> it instead of just reading the original one correctly. It reads: "does NOT >>> contradict..." >>> >> >> No, It was just an omission while retyping. I did notice "does not". >> The rest of what I wrote stands unchanged. The point I was making is that >> the premise underlying the condition was not valid. So I asked "Multi-stakeholder >> model is expanded democracy, the next step in the further evolution of >> democracy. Is there room for this model to contradict the ideals of >> democracy???" >> >> Thank you >> Sivasubramanian M >> >> >>> >>>> >>>> "consideration of rights of minorities" - If this is a Global >>>> process, open for participation from all stake-holders, from every nation, >>>> the policies that would emerge out of the process is bound to be balanced. >>>> The intention behind this thought about the "rights" of minorities might be >>>> noble, but as unintended consequences, this idea of special attention could >>>> lead to politicization of the process. >>>> >>> >>> This has nothing to do with 'special attention' or with special >>> interests or with ethnic or cultural minorities (I put the following in >>> parentheses in front of the word 'minorities': 'in the context of Internet >>> policy' precisely to signal that this is not about cultural or ethnic >>> minorities.) Suresh's reading is right; it is about inclusiveness and >>> consensus building. I was trying to avoid limiting the reference to >>> democracy to its most common instances or simplistic understanding whereby >>> the winner (majority) takes all, in favor of the ideals of democracy >>> whereby the majority still has to take the views or interests of the >>> minority into consideration while governing (think of Egypt and the >>> democratically elected President Morsi.) More precisely (and completely >>> unrelated to Egypt in my mind), I borrow the notion of "rights of >>> minorities" from Hannah Arendt in her analysis of totalitarianism. But I >>> hear you and will try to reconsider the wording. >>> >>> Thanks, >>> Mawaki >>> >>> >>> >>>> In India the intention to protect minority interests began with >>>> policies of special attention, special laws and reservation of seats for >>>> minorities in education, work and politics and this move to ensure social >>>> justice has also caused some imbalance in a certain way; In the US, the >>>> Government's openness to representation by Special Interest and Lobby >>>> groups, at least occasionally, results in a situation where the amplified >>>> voice of the lobby group wins over the muted voice or silence of others. >>>> Certainly a global process can not create a situation where minorities >>>> would be neglected, but this needs to be achieved in a manner that does not >>>> complicate the goodness of the process. Instead of mentioning "minorities" >>>> we could say "all" >>>> >>>> Sivasubramanian M >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >> >> >> -- >> Sivasubramanian Muthusamy >> India +91 99524 03099 <%2B91%2099524%2003099> >> > > > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. > To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: > http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits > -- Sivasubramanian Muthusamy India +91 99524 03099 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dave at difference.com.au Mon Mar 17 04:19:26 2014 From: dave at difference.com.au (David Cake) Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 16:19:26 +0800 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <53232A19.30805@itforchange.net> References: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net> <531DD7E1.8040508@cafonso.ca> <53232A19.30805@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <8E380D18-5175-4A1F-9E5B-4EDFEFB1F4C0@difference.com.au> On 15 Mar 2014, at 12:11 am, parminder wrote: > > On Monday 10 March 2014 08:48 PM, Carlos A. Afonso wrote: >> I think there is a basic misunderstanding related to the role of >> private, free, non-mandatory services versus, for example, the required, >> paid for, connectivity services we need to be on the Internet. > > Hi Carlos, > > We may differ on issues and principles here, but I assure you that there is no misunderstanding. Our position is based on considerable thinking. > > What is entirely left to the private sector, what gets provided as a public or social good, and what gets closely regulated even though provided privately are decisions that societies taken on the basis of many considerations. What was earlier a private good can become a public good as times change. Parminder, the use of economic terms with quite specific definitions in an informal way that has no connection to the real definition like this is not helpful. You use here the terms public good and social good as if they are synonyms, and they are not. > Prior to the industrial revolution, education was considered a rather private good - it was either a matter of some very exclusive privilege of the highest classes, or consisted of skills transferred within occupational groups like guilds. With the industrial revolution, many changes took place in social structures, in structure of family, work force and so on.... Soon later, education begun to see as seen as a kind of public good, and then as a human right in the UN Declaration of Human Rights... > > Sorry for the detour but, similar basic changes are taking place vis a vis the ongoing information/Internet revolution. One important element of this transformation are some new kinds of socio-technical platforms that mediated a huge swathe of social activities, which could span a whole sector - like global knowledge organising, instant media, general social networking, and so on. Such platforms have the character of natural monopolies - a fact that is proven. I know of no such proof. I'd be interested to see it. None of the areas you describe seem to be monopolies - there are certainly multiple services for knowledge organising, instant media, social networking etc. Power law style concentration among a few major players, yes, but natural monopolies is a different story. > All this present a very new situation, and accordingly an assessment has to be made in public interest of the need and degree of regulation of such platforms. Certainly it is reasonable to assess the need and degree of regulation of a category of services. It is, of course, possible that the result of that consideration may be 'no' or 'not much needed'. Though, FWIW, I'm not in that camp - I welcome the increased involvement of regulators in changes to major services that might substantially effect privacy, for example. That is very different from considering them a public good (which I think is just sloppy terminology) or a social good (which would imply public provision of the service). > Also, whether some of these services also need to be provided as public goods, or at least proactive public support (including with funds) given for building local and/ or non-profit alternatives. Sure. But that is a matter for individual states to provide, not a matter for global regulatory bodies. > But the least that can certainly be said is that a completely unregulated commercial offering of these platforms, as huge global monopolies, and largely escaping regulation because of their global nature, coupled with extra-ordinary economic (and increasingly, political) might, is not not a sustainable situation. We can accept it now and take remedial measures, or do it after considerable social damage is done. > > (In fact, as you say, since these services are free, they do not even constitute a commercial service agreement since no payment is made for them. Whereby we can also say that there can be no consumer rights vis a vis these services. Would you agree to such a proposition? ) > > All of which simply points to the fact that we are facing very new and unique situation in an increasingly Internet-mediated world. We may have to visit our policy and regulatory paradigms anew, and we should show the political openness to do so. Certainly new types of services invite us to consider their public policy implications. > Now, we may still disagree on which layers of the Internet requirer regulation and which not, but I just wanted to clarify that our position is well thought out and not a result as a mis- understanding. You are currently convincing me that your position is couched in the language of economics, but the argument is a poor one economically and uses those terms too imprecisely or incorrectly to be very coherent. I'm also very much convinced that Guru's call for making public all algorithms used is certainly not well thought out, and if it is an example of the application of a broader theory, it does that theory no credit. Regards David > > regards > > parminder > >> >> Services such as Google, Facebook, Twitter etc, are opt-in, not required >> for the user to be on the Internet. And they are free to use, regardless >> of what they do or don't with your visit to them. You visit at your own >> risk and will. >> >> Our broadband or mobile connection is paid, required if we wish to be on >> the Internet, and subject to a provider-user contract regarding which we >> can demand consumer and other rights. >> >> I do not see how we can just tell Google to do what Guru requests. One >> can just *not* use Google and still be on the Internet. Or can use just >> a few components with due care regarding personal privacy configurations >> if one wishes. Same with any other non-mandatory, free, opt-in service. >> >> IMHO >> >> --c.a. >> >> On 03/10/2014 07:26 AM, Guru गुरु wrote: >>> Dear all, >>> >>> Not clear, how in Multistakeholderism, where the private sector has an >>> equal footing in public policy making, we will get Google to agree that >>> its search algorithm, as the key factor organising the worlds >>> information/knowledge for all of us, needs to be public knowledge, not a >>> commercial secret. The need for it to be public knowledge stems from >>> privacy/surveillance concerns, because such fundamental knowledge ought >>> to be available as 'cultural commons' that others can >>> take/re-use/revise, fostering competition etc. >>> >>> regards, >>> Guru >>> >>> Google faces Rs 30,500-cr fine in India >>> New Delhi, PTI: March 9, 2014 >>> >>> Google can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion if it is found to >>> have violated competition norms of the country. Google, which is facing >>> anti-trust investigation in India by fair trade watchdog Competition >>> Commission of India (CCI), can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion >>> (Rs 30,500 crore) if it is found to have violated competition norms of >>> the country. >>> >>> Google said it is “extending full cooperation” to the CCI in its >>> investigation. The conclusion of a two-year review by the US antitrust >>> watchdog has concluded that the company's services were good for >>> competition, it added. The case has been before the CCI for over two >>> years now, and it relates to allegations that Google is abusing its >>> dominant position. Under competition regulations, an entity found >>> violating the norms could be slapped with penalty of up to 10 per cent >>> of its three-year annual average turnover. In the case of Google, its >>> annual revenues in the last three years amounts to a staggering $49.3 >>> billion (Rs 3.01 lakh crore), and the maximum penalty can be up to >>> nearly $5 billion. >>> >>> When asked about the ongoing probe and the potential penalty, a Google >>> spokesperson said: “We are extending full co-operation to the >>> Competition Commission of India in their investigation.” The emailed >>> statement added: “We're pleased that the conclusion of the Federal Trade >>> Commission's two-year review was that Google's services are good for >>> users and good for competition.” >>> >>> A complaint filed with the CCI cannot be withdrawn. The complaint >>> against Google, also one of the world's most valued company, was first >>> filed by advocacy group CUTS International way back in late 2011. Later. >>> Matrimonial website matrimony.com Private Ltd also filed a complaint. >>> Last year, CCI chairman Ashok Chawla had said the complaint was that the >>> Google search engine favours platforms it wants to support. >>> >>> “That is, when you click on Google under a certain category, you will >>> get the platforms where there is a tendency to put them in a certain >>> order which may not be the fair and non-discriminatory. So, *what is the >>> software and what is the algorithmic search, (that is) what the >>> investigation team is looking at,” *Chawla had said. >>> >>> source - >>> http://www.deccanherald.com/content/390977/google-faces-rs-30500-cr.html > > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 455 bytes Desc: Message signed with OpenPGP using GPGMail URL: From anriette at apc.org Mon Mar 17 04:28:46 2014 From: anriette at apc.org (Anriette Esterhuysen) Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 10:28:46 +0200 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] NTIA announcment In-Reply-To: <5324D021.7080706@wzb.eu> References: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> <53237B16.1060202@wzb.eu> <76B8A695-5263-43E7-A27C-C57770D30D51@gmail.com> <3362A131-5F5A-4B0A-A89F-C85275BBCC62@gmail.com> <53249638.8010105@apc.org> <7ED858F5-DCAC-4255-A39B-5B823DA72AE6@gmail.com> <5324A3B0.8070205@apc.org> <5324D021.7080706@wzb.eu> Message-ID: <5326B23E.8040809@apc.org> Dear Jeanette What I meant was that should now focus much more on how the transition should take place, and what we want to transition to, rather than just making a convincing argument that the transition should happen. This is probably just a subtle difference, as the NTIA announcement is not a huge surprise. But there is still a big difference between civil society having clear proposals for how we think these functions should be managed, and by whom, and based on which principles as opposed to just emphasising that we we want the status quo to change. We might also want to differentiate between general principles for IG, and specific principles for DNS and root zone management... but I need to think about that more...and also think in a more differentiated way about further evolution of the IG eccosystem. Different types of decisions and coordination need not be made in the same way, or in the same places. We always say that the system is distributed, and some of us say that is a good thing. I think having the US oversight issues out of the way makes it possible for us to spend more time taking about what replaces it. Civil society tends to lump all its concerns together, which is often not very helpful. If we want to get concrete outputs from NetMundial we need to propose solutions and new models which are achievable and creative. This is not so easy. But there are a few on the table. If we can get consensus, more or less, on those before the event it will make us much more influential. But I guess I am simply stating the obvious. Anriette On 16/03/2014 00:11, Jeanette Hofmann wrote: > > > Hi Anriette, > > why do you think we need to rethink the agenda for NetMundial? Hasn't > the future of the IANA functions always been part of it? > > jeanette > > > >> Personally I think that the really interesting, but also challenging >> outcome of this is that it means we need to rethink the NetMundial >> Agenda and what we really want to get out of it. >> >> What is so good though is that the conversation with governments, and >> private institutions, the technical community etc. can now focus on the >> substance of how decisions are made, and how participation is ensured, >> and accountability and transparency maintained, and what principles are >> used in making these decisions. >> >> The location of ICANN in the US and the relationship with the US has >> been a bottleneck in talking about 'enhanced coopration' etc. etc. This >> is not going to make it easier. >> >> The challenge of dealing with governments who desire more control, and >> those nongovernmental institutions involved in inernet governance who >> are not sufficiently accountable, and not operating based on commonly >> understood public interest and rights-based principles, remain.. and is >> even greater actually. And a further challenge will be to ensure that >> ICANN, while I think has been positively proactive, and in some senses >> opportunistic (which is not a bad thing) since the NSA revelation, does >> not, riding on increased legitimacy, unduly expand its scope, reach, >> power. >> >> Anriette >> >> >> *DRAFT Best Bits welcomes NTIA announcement on transition of key >> internet domain name functions* >> >> Members of the Best Bits coalition welcome the announcement made by the >> United States Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and >> Information Administration (NTIA) of its ‘intent to transition key >> internet domain name functions to the global multi-stakeholder community >> .'** >> >> >> NTIA’s responsibility under current agreements means it has served as >> the “historic steward” of the DNS (internet domain name system). The >> fact that a single government currently plays this role, even if it has >> not been a particularly “hands-on” role, has been cause for concern and >> debate among governments and other stakeholders for more than a decade. >> >> We commend the NTIA for committing to the transition to a >> multi-stakeholder process that needs full involvement of civil society, >> governments, business and the internet technical community (to mention >> just some of the current stakeholders affected by internet decision >> making) and for requiring that the resulting transition plan maintains >> the openness of the internet. >> >> This is however not trivial, as mechanisms for democratising internet >> governance, and ensuring really effective and inclusive participation of >> all who are affected by internet policy making and standard setting are >> still evolving. A transition away from US government oversight does not >> in itself guarantee inclusion, transparency and accountability or >> protection of the public interest in the management of DNS and the root >> zone. Nevertheless, this is a very constructive step, definitely in the >> right direction, and a unique opportunity to make progress in the >> evolution of the internet governance ecosystem. This is particularly >> important for stakeholders from developing countries. >> >> We recommend that ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and >> Numbers), to which the NTIA is entrusting the development of the >> transition plan, look beyond its own internal multi-stakeholder >> processes in bringing together the larger community for the necessary >> consultations on how this transition should be undertaken. We also >> recommend that ICANN consider the submissions about how this transition >> can take place that were made to the upcoming NetMundial: Global Meeting >> on the Future of Internet Governance ‒ www.netmundial.br >> ‒ to be held in Brazil in late April 2014. -- ------------------------------------------------------ anriette esterhuysen anriette at apc.org executive director, association for progressive communications www.apc.org po box 29755, melville 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From parminder at itforchange.net Mon Mar 17 06:59:15 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 16:29:15 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] FW: [A2k] Joseph Stiglitz in the New York Times (Opinionator Blog): On the Wrong Side of Globalization In-Reply-To: <5325FA1E.6070900@wzb.eu> References: <003801cf4141$c027d7b0$40778710$@gmail.com> <5325FA1E.6070900@wzb.eu> Message-ID: <5326D583.3030302@itforchange.net> On Monday 17 March 2014 12:53 AM, Jeanette Hofmann wrote: > Thank you for this link. Stiglitz' comparison of trade agreements with > the Opium wars is pretty cool. > > Considering that the British fought for free trade to protect their > profits from selling opium one might wonder what future generations > think of the free flow of information. Yes, but maybe even the present generations can start thinking, like what is the US 'Internet freedom' agenda i about, and how a new global political system of elite co-option going by the name of MSism has to do with global economic extraction, as for instance Aspen Institute report so intricately weaves MSism into the idea of one global digital economy... parminder > > jeanette > > > > Am 16.03.14 19:01, schrieb michael gurstein: >> Perhaps the discussions on Internet Governance should be seen as a form >> of trade negotiation. I think it is clear that at least some of the >> participating "stakeholders" recognize the connection >> . >> >> >> M >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: A2k [mailto:a2k-bounces at lists.keionline.org] On Behalf Of Thiru >> Balasubramaniam >> Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2014 4:36 AM >> To: a2k at lists.keionline.org; Ip-health at lists.keionline.org >> Subject: [A2k] Joseph Stiglitz in the New York Times (Opinionator Blog): >> On the Wrong Side of Globalization >> >> http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/15/on-the-wrong-side-of-globalization/ >> >> >> THE GREAT >> DIVIDE >> >> >> MARCH 15, 2014, 5:06 PM >> >> On the Wrong Side of Globalization >> >> By JOSEPH E. >> STIGLITZ >> >> Trade agreements are a subject that can cause the eyes to glaze over, >> but we should all be paying attention. Right now, there are trade >> proposals in the works that threaten to put most Americans on the wrong >> side of globalization. >> >> The conflicting views about the agreements are actually tearing at the >> fabric of the Democratic >> Party, >> >> >> though you wouldn't know it from President Obama's rhetoric. In his >> State of the Union address, for example, he blandly referred to "new >> trade partnerships" that would "create more jobs." Most immediately at >> issue is the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, which would bring >> together 12 countries along the Pacific Rim in what would be the largest >> free trade area in the world. >> >> Negotiations for the TPP began in 2010, for the purpose, according to >> the United States Trade >> Representative, >> >> >> of increasing trade and investment, through lowering tariffs and other >> trade barriers among participating countries. But the TPP negotiations >> have been taking place in secret, forcing us to rely on leaked >> drafts to >> guess at the proposed provisions. At the same time, Congress introduced >> a >> bill >> >> >> this >> >> year that would grant the White House filibuster-proof fast-track >> authority, under which Congress simply approves or rejects whatever >> trade agreement is put before it, without revisions or amendments. >> >> Controversy has erupted, and justifiably so. Based on the leaks -- and >> the history of arrangements in past trade pacts -- it is easy to infer >> the shape of the whole TPP, and it doesn't look good. There is a real >> risk that it will benefit the wealthiest sliver of the American and >> global elite at the expense of everyone else. The fact that such a plan >> is under consideration at all is testament to how deeply inequality >> reverberates through our economic policies. >> >> Worse, agreements like the TPP are only one aspect of a larger problem: >> our gross mismanagement of globalization. >> >> Let's tackle the history first. In general, trade deals today are >> markedly different from those made in the decades following World War >> II, when negotiations focused on lowering tariffs. As tariffs came down >> on all sides, trade expanded, and each country could develop the sectors >> in which it had strengths and as a result, standards of living would >> rise. Some jobs would be lost, but new jobs would be created. >> >> Today, the purpose of trade agreements is different. Tariffs around the >> world are already low. The focus has shifted to "nontariff barriers," >> and the most important of these -- for the corporate interests pushing >> agreements -- are regulations. Huge multinational corporations complain >> that inconsistent regulations make business costly. But most of the >> regulations, even if they are imperfect, are there for a reason: to >> protect workers, consumers, the economy and the environment. >> >> What's more, those regulations were often put in place by governments >> responding to the democratic demands of their citizens. Trade >> agreements' >> >> new boosters euphemistically claim that they are simply after regulatory >> harmonization, a clean-sounding phrase that implies an innocent plan to >> promote efficiency. One could, of course, get regulatory harmonization >> by strengthening regulations to the highest standards everywhere. But >> when corporations call for harmonization, what they really mean is a >> race to the bottom. >> >> When agreements like the TPP govern international trade -- when every >> country has agreed to similarly minimal regulations -- multinational >> corporations can return to the practices that were common before the >> Clean Air and Clean Water Acts became law (in 1970 and 1972, >> respectively) and before the latest financial crisis hit. Corporations >> everywhere may well agree that getting rid of regulations would be good >> for corporate profits. >> >> Trade negotiators might be persuaded that these trade agreements would >> be good for trade and corporate profits. But there would be some big >> losers -- namely, the rest of us. >> >> These high stakes are why it is especially risky to let trade >> negotiations proceed in secret. All over the world, trade ministries are >> captured by corporate and financial interests. And when negotiations are >> secret, there is no way that the democratic process can exert the checks >> and balances required to put limits on the negative effects of these >> agreements. >> >> The secrecy might be enough to cause significant controversy for the >> TPP. >> >> What we know of its particulars only makes it more unpalatable. One of >> the worst is that it allows corporations to seek restitution in an >> international tribunal, not only for unjust expropriation, but also for >> alleged diminution of their potential profits as a result of regulation. >> >> This is not a theoretical problem. Philip Morris has already tried this >> tactic against Uruguay, claiming that its antismoking regulations, which >> have won accolades from the World Health Organization, unfairly hurt >> profits, violating a bilateral trade treaty between Switzerland and >> Uruguay. In this sense, recent trade agreements are reminiscent of the >> Opium Wars, in which Western powers successfully demanded that China >> keep itself open to opium because they saw it as vital in correcting >> what otherwise would be a large trade imbalance. >> >> Provisions already incorporated in other trade agreements are being used >> elsewhere to undermine environmental and other regulations. Developing >> countries pay a high price for signing on to these provisions, but the >> evidence that they get more investment in return is scant and >> controversial. And though these countries are the most obvious victims, >> the same issue could become a problem for the United States, as well. >> American corporations could conceivably create a subsidiary in some >> Pacific Rim country, invest in the United States through that >> subsidiary, and then take action against the United States government -- >> getting rights as a "foreign" >> >> company that they would not have had as an American company. Again, this >> is not just a theoretical possibility: There is already some evidence >> that companies are choosing how to funnel their money into different >> countries on the basis of where their legal position in relation to the >> government is strongest. >> >> There are other noxious provisions. America has been fighting to lower >> the cost of health care. But the TPP would make the introduction of >> generic drugs more difficult, and thus raise the price of medicines. In >> the poorest countries, this is not just about moving money into >> corporate coffers: >> >> thousands would die unnecessarily. Of course, those who do research have >> to be compensated. That's why we have a patent system. But the patent >> system is supposed to carefully balance the benefits of intellectual >> protection with another worthy goal: making access to knowledge more >> available. I've >> written >> >> >> before >> >> about how the system has been abused by those seeking patents for the >> genes that predispose women to breast cancer. The Supreme Court ended up >> rejecting those patents, but not before many women suffered >> unnecessarily. >> >> Trade agreements provide even more >> >> opportunities >> >> >> for >> >> patent abuse. >> >> The worries mount. One way of reading the leaked negotiation documents >> suggests that the TPP would make it easier for American banks to sell >> risky derivatives around the world, perhaps setting us up for the same >> kind of crisis that led to the Great Recession. >> >> In spite of all this, there are those who passionately support the TPP >> and agreements like it, including many economists. What makes this >> support possible is bogus, debunked economic theory, which has remained >> in circulation mostly because it serves the interests of the wealthiest. >> >> Free trade was a central tenet of economics in the discipline's early >> years. Yes, there are winners and losers, the theory went, but the >> winners can always compensate the losers, so that free trade (or even >> freer trade) is a win-win. This conclusion, unfortunately, is based on >> numerous assumptions, many of which are simply wrong. >> >> The older theories, for instance, simply ignored risk, and assumed that >> workers could move seamlessly between jobs. It was assumed that the >> economy was at full employment, so that workers displaced by >> globalization would quickly move from low-productivity sectors (which >> had thrived simply because foreign competition was kept at bay through >> tariffs and other trade >> >> restrictions) to high-productivity sectors. But when there is a high >> level of unemployment, and especially when a large percentage of the >> unemployed have been out of work long-term (as is the case now), there >> can't be such complacency. >> >> Today, there are 20 million Americans who would like a full-time job but >> can't get one. Millions have stopped looking. So there is a real risk >> that individuals moved from low productivity-employment in a protected >> sector will end up zero-productivity members of the vast ranks of the >> unemployed. >> >> This hurts even those who keep their jobs, as higher unemployment puts >> downward pressure on wages. >> >> We can argue over why our economy isn't performing the way it's >> supposed to >> >> -- whether it's because of a lack of aggregate demand, or because our >> banks, more interested in speculation and market manipulation than >> lending, are not providing adequate funds to small and medium-size >> enterprises. But whatever the reasons, the reality is that these trade >> agreements do risk increasing unemployment. >> >> One of the reasons that we are in such bad shape is that we have >> mismanaged globalization. Our economic policies encourage the >> outsourcing of jobs: >> >> Goods produced abroad with cheap labor can be cheaply brought back into >> the United States. So American workers understand that they have to >> compete with those abroad, and their bargaining power is weakened. This >> is one of the reasons that the real median income of full-time male >> workers is lower than it >> was >> >> >> 40 >> >> years ago. >> >> American politics today compounds these problems. Even in the best of >> circumstances, the old free trade theory said only that the winners >> could compensate the losers, not that they would. And they haven't -- >> quite the opposite. Advocates of trade agreements often say that for >> America to be competitive, not only will wages have to be cut, but so >> will taxes and expenditures, especially on programs that are of benefit >> to ordinary citizens. We should accept the short-term pain, they say, >> because in the long run, all will benefit. But as John Maynard Keynes >> famously said in another context, "in the long run we are all dead." In >> this case, there is little evidence that the trade agreements will lead >> to faster or more profound growth. >> >> Critics of the TPP are so numerous because both the process and the >> theory that undergird it are bankrupt. Opposition has blossomed not just >> in the United States, but also in Asia, where the talks have stalled. >> >> By leading a full-on rejection of fast-track authority for the TPP, the >> Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, seems to have given us all a little >> respite. Those who see trade agreements as enriching corporations at the >> expense of the 99 percent seem to have won this skirmish. But there is a >> broader war to ensure that trade policy -- and globalization more >> generally >> >> -- is designed so as to increase the standards of living of most >> Americans. >> >> The outcome of that war remains uncertain. >> >> In this series, I have repeatedly made two points: The first is that the >> high level of inequality in the United States today, and its enormous >> increase during the past 30 years, is the cumulative result of an array >> of policies, programs and laws. Given that the president himself has >> emphasized that inequality should be the country's top priority, every >> new policy, program or law should be examined from the perspective of >> its impact on inequality. Agreements like the TPP have contributed in >> important ways to this inequality. Corporations may profit, and it is >> even possible, though far from assured, that gross domestic product as >> conventionally measured will increase. But the well-being of ordinary >> citizens is likely to take a hit. >> >> And this brings me to the second point that I have repeatedly >> emphasized: >> >> Trickle-down economics is a myth. Enriching corporations -- as the >> TPP would >> >> -- will not necessarily help those in the middle, let alone those at the >> bottom. >> >> _______________________________________________ >> >> A2k mailing list >> >> A2k at lists.keionline.org >> >> http://lists.keionline.org/mailman/listinfo/a2k_lists.keionline.org >> From anriette at apc.org Mon Mar 17 07:31:49 2014 From: anriette at apc.org (Anriette Esterhuysen) Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 13:31:49 +0200 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] NTIA announcment In-Reply-To: <5326B23E.8040809@apc.org> References: <53237849.604@wzb.eu> <53237B16.1060202@wzb.eu> <76B8A695-5263-43E7-A27C-C57770D30D51@gmail.com> <3362A131-5F5A-4B0A-A89F-C85275BBCC62@gmail.com> <53249638.8010105@apc.org> <7ED858F5-DCAC-4255-A39B-5B823DA72AE6@gmail.com> <5324A3B0.8070205@apc.org> <5324D021.7080706@wzb.eu> <5326B23E.8040809@apc.org> Message-ID: <5326DD25.7020403@apc.org> Also.. just adding more to this. The other 'agenda' challenge is that already surveillance seems to have moved into the background. Probably because NetMundial submissions asked us to respond on principles, and roadmap for future evolution of IG ecosystem. With this transition on the table we can go into the 'future evolution' into more detail, but what about coming up with mechanisms for addressing mass surveillance? Anriette On 17/03/2014 10:28, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > Dear Jeanette > > What I meant was that should now focus much more on how the transition > should take place, and what we want to transition to, rather than just > making a convincing argument that the transition should happen. > > This is probably just a subtle difference, as the NTIA announcement is > not a huge surprise. But there is still a big difference between civil > society having clear proposals for how we think these functions should > be managed, and by whom, and based on which principles as opposed to > just emphasising that we we want the status quo to change. > > We might also want to differentiate between general principles for IG, > and specific principles for DNS and root zone management... but I need > to think about that more...and also think in a more differentiated way > about further evolution of the IG eccosystem. Different types of > decisions and coordination need not be made in the same way, or in > the same places. We always say that the system is distributed, and > some of us say that is a good thing. I think having the US oversight > issues out of the way makes it possible for us to spend more time > taking about what replaces it. > > Civil society tends to lump all its concerns together, which is often > not very helpful. If we want to get concrete outputs from NetMundial > we need to propose solutions and new models which are achievable and > creative. This is not so easy. But there are a few on the table. If we > can get consensus, more or less, on those before the event it will > make us much more influential. > > But I guess I am simply stating the obvious. > > Anriette > > > > > On 16/03/2014 00:11, Jeanette Hofmann wrote: >> >> >> Hi Anriette, >> >> why do you think we need to rethink the agenda for NetMundial? Hasn't >> the future of the IANA functions always been part of it? >> >> jeanette >> >> >> >>> Personally I think that the really interesting, but also challenging >>> outcome of this is that it means we need to rethink the NetMundial >>> Agenda and what we really want to get out of it. >>> >>> What is so good though is that the conversation with governments, and >>> private institutions, the technical community etc. can now focus on the >>> substance of how decisions are made, and how participation is ensured, >>> and accountability and transparency maintained, and what principles are >>> used in making these decisions. >>> >>> The location of ICANN in the US and the relationship with the US has >>> been a bottleneck in talking about 'enhanced coopration' etc. etc. This >>> is not going to make it easier. >>> >>> The challenge of dealing with governments who desire more control, and >>> those nongovernmental institutions involved in inernet governance who >>> are not sufficiently accountable, and not operating based on commonly >>> understood public interest and rights-based principles, remain.. and is >>> even greater actually. And a further challenge will be to ensure that >>> ICANN, while I think has been positively proactive, and in some senses >>> opportunistic (which is not a bad thing) since the NSA revelation, does >>> not, riding on increased legitimacy, unduly expand its scope, reach, >>> power. >>> >>> Anriette >>> >>> >>> *DRAFT Best Bits welcomes NTIA announcement on transition of key >>> internet domain name functions* >>> >>> Members of the Best Bits coalition welcome the announcement made by the >>> United States Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and >>> Information Administration (NTIA) of its 'intent to transition key >>> internet domain name functions to the global multi-stakeholder >>> community >>> .'** >>> >>> >>> NTIA's responsibility under current agreements means it has served as >>> the "historic steward" of the DNS (internet domain name system). The >>> fact that a single government currently plays this role, even if it has >>> not been a particularly "hands-on" role, has been cause for concern and >>> debate among governments and other stakeholders for more than a decade. >>> >>> We commend the NTIA for committing to the transition to a >>> multi-stakeholder process that needs full involvement of civil society, >>> governments, business and the internet technical community (to mention >>> just some of the current stakeholders affected by internet decision >>> making) and for requiring that the resulting transition plan maintains >>> the openness of the internet. >>> >>> This is however not trivial, as mechanisms for democratising internet >>> governance, and ensuring really effective and inclusive >>> participation of >>> all who are affected by internet policy making and standard setting >>> are >>> still evolving. A transition away from US government oversight does not >>> in itself guarantee inclusion, transparency and accountability or >>> protection of the public interest in the management of DNS and the root >>> zone. Nevertheless, this is a very constructive step, definitely in >>> the >>> right direction, and a unique opportunity to make progress in the >>> evolution of the internet governance ecosystem. This is particularly >>> important for stakeholders from developing countries. >>> >>> We recommend that ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names >>> and >>> Numbers), to which the NTIA is entrusting the development of the >>> transition plan, look beyond its own internal multi-stakeholder >>> processes in bringing together the larger community for the necessary >>> consultations on how this transition should be undertaken. We also >>> recommend that ICANN consider the submissions about how this transition >>> can take place that were made to the upcoming NetMundial: Global >>> Meeting >>> on the Future of Internet Governance - www.netmundial.br >>> - to be held in Brazil in late April 2014. > > -- > ------------------------------------------------------ > anriette esterhuysen anriette at apc.org > executive director, association for progressive communications > www.apc.org > po box 29755, melville 2109 > south africa > tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 -- ------------------------------------------------------ anriette esterhuysen anriette at apc.org executive director, association for progressive communications www.apc.org po box 29755, melville 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ca at cafonso.ca Mon Mar 17 09:55:14 2014 From: ca at cafonso.ca (Carlos A. Afonso) Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 10:55:14 -0300 Subject: [bestbits] CGI.br contributions to NetMundial Message-ID: <5326FEC2.7080602@cafonso.ca> Hi people, [with apologies for duplicates] Please find attached in plain text three contributions sent by CGI.br to NetMundial: - Evolution and Internationalization of ICANN - The Importance of a Multistakeholder Approach to Cybersecurity Effectiveness - Privacy and Surveillance There is another contribution which simply reproduces our 10 Principles, which are well known, so no need to replicate here. fraternal regards --c.a. ================== -------------- next part -------------- The Importance of a Multistakeholder Approach to Cybersecurity Effectiveness Area: ROADMAP FOR THE FURTHER EVOLUTION OF THE INTERNET GOVERNANCE ECOSYSTEM Entitled by: Cristine Hoepers, Klaus Steding-Jessen, Henrique Faulhaber Region: Brazil Organization: Brazilian Internet Steering Committee - CGI.br Sector: Other Keywords: Multistakeholder, Internet Ecosystem, Cyber security, Internet Security, CERTs Abstract Most Internet security threats are increasingly complex, affecting multiple sectors at the same time, and requiring coordinated efforts to be detected and effectively mitigated. This is specially true to incidents involving botnets, spam, malware and DDoS. In the past 20 years several multistakeholder forums and initiatives that deal with Internet security threats were created - most of them have been very successful in bringing different sectors together to mitigate security incidents and counter cybercrime. All these efforts highlighted that the effectiveness depends on cooperation among different stakeholders, and that cybersecurity can't be achieved via a single organization or structure. Also, governments need to participate more in security forums and improve cooperation with other stakeholders. New forums and initiatives should not replace existing structures; they should aim at leveraging and improving the multistakeholder structures already in place today. Document The Importance of a Multistakeholder Approach to Cybersecurity Effectiveness 1. Introduction ============================ Most Internet security threats are increasingly complex, affecting multiple stakeholders at the same time, and requiring coordinated efforts to be detected and mitigated. This is specially true to incidents involving botnets, spam, malware and DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks. The scenario gets more complicated when critical national infrastructures are connected to the Internet, becoming exposed to the same vulnerabilities as other systems, and can be attacked by the same tools or techniques used for attacks in other contexts. The protection of critical infrastructures and government networks connected to the Internet have both Internet security and defense aspects - the protection of these infrastructures is done most of the time by government organizations. What is worrisome is that we are increasingly seeing purely Internet security issues being perceived by governments as purely defense issues. This is leading to a scenario where, for example, the vital cooperation already existing among CERTs (Computer Emergency Response Teams) with National Responsibility being undermined by a tendency to move all existing Internet security capabilities into government or intelligence organizations. The Internet ecosystem's security, stability and resilience should remain multistakeholder. The cooperation among different sectors and stakeholders, already existing today, is key to mitigate most of the current threats. In the remainder of this proposal, we will briefly discuss several current multistakeholder forums and initiatives, pointing out their strengths, and bringing to attention issues that need to be considered when discussing a framework to improve the multistakeholder approach in order to achieve more effective cybersecurity. 2. Existing Multistakeholder Forums ============================ There are some international forums that already exist today and that congregate different stakeholders, cooperating to handle security incidents and mitigate specific threats. Most of these forums were created to mitigate specific categories of attacks or threats. As nowadays the threat landscape changed and there is a prevalence of what is technically referred to as combined threats, most of these organizations are dealing with similar security issues. What follows is a description of each one of these organizations. 2.1. FIRST - Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams FIRST is the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams - http://first.org/. A Computer Security and Incident Response Team (CSIRT), sometimes also referred as CERT, is a service organization that is responsible for receiving, reviewing, and responding to computer security incident reports and activity. Their services are usually performed for a defined constituency that could be a parent entity such as a corporate, governmental, or educational organization; a region or country; a research network; or a paid client (Source: http://www.cert.org/incident-management/csirt-development/csirt-faq.cfm). The first CSIRT, the CERT Coordination Center, was created in November 1988, after the security incident known as "Internet worm" or "Morris worm" brought major portions of the Internet to its knees, and made clear the need to more coordinated efforts to respond to security incidents on the Internet. After this incident, several other teams were created. The FIRST was formed in 1990 in response to a second worm, the "Wank worm", and this incident highlighted the need for better communication and coordination among teams of different organizations. FIRST is an international confederation of trusted computer incident response teams who cooperatively handle computer security incidents and promote incident prevention programs. FIRST brings together a wide variety of CSIRTs from around the globe including educational, commercial, vendor, national, government and military. FIRST members develop and share technical information, tools, methodologies, processes and best practices, and use their combined knowledge, skills and experience to promote a safer and more secure Internet environment. 2.2. CSIRTs with National Responsibility and the NatCSIRT Annual Meeting Since 2006, the CERT(R) Coordination Center (CERT/CC) has been hosting an annual technical meeting for CSIRTs with national responsibility. This meeting provides an opportunity for the organizations responsible for protecting the security of nations, economies, and critical infrastructures to discuss the unique challenges they face while fulfilling this role. As a result of these meetings, an online Forum is maintained throughout the year, as well as a list of CSIRTs with National Responsibility: http://www.cert.org/incident-management/national-csirts/national-csirts.cfm It is noteworthy that there are very different models of National CSIRTs, ranging from not for profit, to academic, to government teams. Also, several countries have more than one team, demonstrating the complexity of increasing cybersecurity and performing incident handling at a national level. 2.3. APWG APWG (http://apwg.org/) was founded in 2003 as the Anti-Phishing Working Group, at which time its mission was to counter phishing attacks. But, as the technology evolved, APWG is not focused only on phishing anymore, but on mitigating other attacks that are used to perpetrate cybercrime. APWG has more than 2000 members and research partners worldwide, from financial institutions, retailers, solutions providers, ISPs, telcos, CSIRTs, universities, defense contractors, law enforcement agencies, trade groups, treaty organizations and government agencies. 2.4. MAAWG - The Messaging, Malware and Mobile Anti-Abuse Working Group MAAWG is The Messaging, Malware and Mobile Anti-Abuse Working Group (http://www.maawg.org/) and brings the messaging industry together to work collaboratively and to successfully address the various forms of messaging abuse, such as spam, viruses, denial-of-service attacks and other messaging exploitations. To accomplish this, MAAWG develops initiatives in the three areas necessary to resolve the messaging abuse problem: industry collaboration, technology, and public policy. 2.5. ISOC - The Internet Society ISOC - The Internet Society (http://www.internetsociety.org/) - is an organization dedicated to ensuring that the Internet stays open and transparent. It has initiatives in Internet policy, technology standards, and future development. ISOC has a special project called "Combating Spam Project", in partnership with MAAWG, dedicated to demonstrating to policy makers, clearly and effectively, the tools and industry partnerships that are available to tackle spam. 3. Examples of Successful Multistakeholder International and National Initiatives ============================ In the past few years, CSIRTs, Network Operators and members of the aforementioned forums became involved in some specific projects and working groups aimed at mitigating specific big threats, implementing best practices or better understanding the Internet threat environment. In this section we are going to describe some of these successful multistakeholder initiatives. 3.1. The Conficker Working Group Starting in late 2008, and continuing through June of 2010, a coalition of security researchers worked to resist an Internet borne attack carried out by malicious software known as Conficker. This coalition became known as "The Conficker Working Group", and seemed to be successful in a number of ways, not the least of which was unprecedented cooperation between organizations and individuals around the world, in both the public and private sectors (Source: http://www.confickerworkinggroup.org/). The work of this group involved members of Internet Governance Bodies, Software and Hardware Vendors, Content providers, Universities and Research Centers, and was vital to mitigate the worm's malicious payloads and to help clean systems throughout the Internet. A Lessons Learned document can be find in the previously listed homepage. 3.2. DNS-changer Working Group The DNS Changer Working Group (DCWG - http://www.dcwg.org/) was an ad hoc group of subject matter experts, and included members from organizations such as Georgia Tech, Internet Systems Consortium, Mandiant, National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance, Neustar, Spamhaus, Team Cymru, Trend Micro, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The work of the DCWG was coordinated with FBI investigations, and received help from several National CERTs and ISPs. This working group was created to help remediate Rove Digital's malicious DNS servers. The botnet operated by Rove Digital altered user DNS settings, pointing victims to malicious DNS in data centers in Estonia, New York, and Chicago. The malicious DNS servers would give fake, malicious answers, altering user searches, and promoting fake and dangerous products. Because every web search starts with DNS, the malware showed users an altered version of the Internet. The cooperation among all these stakeholders made it possible to gradually alert and help disinfect the end users' devices, without disrupting their access to the Internet. 3.3. Multistakeholder initiatives at a National level There are several multistakeholder initiatives at a National level. In this section we will briefly describe some of these initiatives. 3.3.1. The Dutch Cyber Security Council The Dutch Cyber Security Council has 15 members from government, industry, and the scientific community, for a total of three scientists, six public sector and six private sector representatives. The Council is supported by an independent secretariat. The Council oversees the Dutch National Cyber Security Strategy and offers both solicited and unsolicited advice to the Dutch government and society. The role that the Council played during the DigiNotar incident, for example, demonstrated the effectiveness of this kind of public-private partnership in the digital domain. In July 2013, the Council issued an advice on the new National Cyber Security Strategy, published in October 2013. The advice specifically focused on the need for close cooperation and coordination in the field of incident detection and response. Only through active information sharing, timely response and seamless collaboration can a secure digital environment be established. Source: https://www.ncsc.nl/english/current-topics/news/best-practices-in-computer-network-defense.html 3.3.2. The Japanese Cyber Clean Center The Cyber Clean Center (CCC) is a core organization taking a role to promote bot cleaning and prevention of re-infection of users' computers, which were once infected by bots, based on cooperation among government, software vendors and ISPs. The Cyber Clean Center has a Steering Committee and three working groups in the layer below: the bot countermeasure system operation group; the bot program analysis group; and the bot infection prevention promotion group. Source: https://www.ccc.go.jp/en_ccc/ 3.3.3. CGI.br Port 25 Management Initiative For a long time, Brazil was present on most spam rankings as a top spam relaying country. Determined to reverse this situation, the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br) has conducted, since 2005, a number of activities, such as academic studies and technical analyses, which lead to the adoption of Port 25 management as the most effective measure to be taken to prevent spammers from abusing the Brazilian broadband infrastructure. This initiative was lead by CGI.br's Anti-Spam Working Group (CT-Spam), which provided a forum where different stakeholders were able to meet. For almost 20 years, Brazil has developed a model of multistakeholder Internet governance. Therefore, a measure of such importance as the blocking of outgoing port 25 traffic in residential networks could not be adopted without all sectors affected being asked to contribute to this decision-making process. Bringing together the experience of more than a dozen telecom companies, thousands of Internet service providers, representatives of civil society and the academic community, as well as the technical staff of CGI.br, the process of adopting Port 25 management was broadly discussed. This was specially important because the implementation required a concerted effort, with e-mail service providers making sure they offered Message Submission via a different port (587), and migrated at least 90% of their users' base before broadboand providers could block outbound port 25 traffic. It is also important to highlight that both the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) and the Ministry of Justice have played a key role in providing support for the telecom companies and the consumer protection entities respectively. Anatel signed a Cooperation Agreement with CGI.br, which gave the telecom companies legal grounds to proceed with the adoption. The Ministry of Justice, on the other hand, published a Technical Note explaining the benefits of such measures for consumers. As a result of this initiative, Brazil is no longer listed as one of the top spam relaying countries in the world, according to several public rankings. Source: http://www.nic.br/imprensa/clipping/2013/midia182.htm http://www.cert.br/docs/palestras/certbr-citel-itu-isoc2013.pdf 3.3.4. CERT.br - Computer Emergency Response Team Brazil CERT.br is the Computer Emergency Response Team Brazil, maintained by NIC.br, a not for profit organization created to implement the decisions and projects designed by the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee - CGI.br. All CERT.br activities take into account the need to involve all stakeholders to successfully increase the level of security and incident handling capacity of the networks connected to the Internet in Brazil. Besides doing Incident Handling activities, CERT.br also works to increase security awareness in the Brazilian community, maintaining an early warning project with the goal of identifying new trends and correlating security events, as well as alerting Brazilian networks involved in malicious activities. CERT.br also helps new Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) to establish their activities in the country. A clear example of the success of this approach is the Brazilian Distributed Honeypots Project, which, through a network of distributed honeypots in the Brazilian Internet space, increases the capacity of incident detection, event correlation and trend analysis in the country. These honeypots are passive sensors that provide valuable situational awareness, without collecting production traffic neither performing any type of surveillance. This project has sensors in more than 40 Brazilian partner organizations, ranging from government and energy sectors, to academia, ISPs and Telecommunication Providers. Source: http://www.cgi.br/english/activities/ http://www.nic.br/english/about/ http://www.cert.br/about/ http://honeytarg.cert.br/honeypots/ 4. The need for improvement of the multistakeholder collaboration in cybersecurity ============================ Achieving a satisfactory level of Internet Security is not an easy task, but the experience accumulated by several successful initiatives demonstrates that, in order to be effective, any cybersecurity initiative needs to involve several stakeholders. More than that, the reality is that more often than not, the security measures need to be taken by systems administrators, network operators or security professionals in their own networks. However, cooperation with others is key to be able to understand the threats and better evaluate the effectiveness of their actions. In the document "Conficker Working Group: Lessons Learned" (http://www.confickerworkinggroup.org/wiki/uploads/Conficker_Working_Group_Lessons_Learned_17_June_2010_final.pdf), published in January 2011, although the word "multistakeholder" is not used, some of the success factors listed point to the importance of cooperation and the involvement of different stakeholders. Here are some examples: - Utilize a trust model; the scope of the working group needs to be a manageable size to be effective and include those directly affected, and yet large enough to include a broader universe of those impacted. - Incorporate a consensus model without hierarchy to allow the group to adapt and respond to fast changing conditions. - Gain the participation and support of key governing and regulatory bodies. - Formalize communications with stakeholder groups vs. relying on social networks. These four points bring to light issues like the rapid change of the threat landscape, the need for rapid communication, the involvement and support of governments and the fact that several stakeholders need to cooperate. Although the Conficker Working Group was very successful, as well as other initiatives listed in the previous section, there are still some stakeholders that could improve their cooperation. For example: - Network Operator Groups (NOGs) and Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) should be more involved with security issues. There are some areas like routing security (and newly proposed protocols like RPKI or SBGP) or DNSSEC that need worldwide adoption to be effective. RIRs could also work more closely with the CSIRT community to improve the WHOIS system to help the incident handling process. - Software vendors need to become involved and be more pro-active; after all, most of the security problems we face today are software-related problems. The real challenge is to improve software security and get the software industry to a more mature level. - The governments, including military and intelligence sectors, in addition to traditional security and defense strategies, need to improve their awareness of the multistakeholder nature of the Internet and the vital importance of the cooperation to address security threats. They need to participate more in the national and international security forums and improve cooperation with other stakeholders. Considering government cyber security strategies, it is noteworthy that about 130 parties, including public and private parties, knowledge institutions and social organisations, were involved in the drafting of the Dutch "National Cyber Security Strategy 2 - From awareness to capability" (NCSS2) (https://www.ncsc.nl/english/current-topics/news/new-cyber-security-strategy-strengthens-cooperation-between-government-and-businesses.html). The strategy starts with the following statement: "We are moving from structures to coalitions in which all parties -- national and international -- are represented in order to achieve supported standards." And adds that "The correlation between security, freedom and social-economic benefits proposed in the NCSS2 is a dynamic balance that is intended to be realised in a constantly open and pragmatic dialogue between all stakeholders, both national and international. (...) In order to bring the dialogue about cyber security between the various stakeholders to a new level of maturity, the following three management areas are of the utmost importance: (self) regulation, transparency and knowledge development." This is a good example of the recognition of the importance of a multistakeholder approach to the Internet ecosystem's security, stability and resilience. 5. Recommendations ============================ As stated before, achieving a satisfactory level of Internet Security is not an easy task, and the multistakeholder initiatives previously discussed are good examples of frameworks that can effectively deal with cybersecurity current and emerging issues. Therefore, it is recommended that all national and international organizations involved with Internet Governance, for instance, Local Governments, RIRs, United Nations, European Union, ISOC Chapters, among others, should take the following into consideration: 1. The experience accumulated by the several successful initiatives described in this contribution demonstrates that, in order to be effective, any cybersecurity initiative depends on cooperation among different stakeholders, and it can't be achieved via a single organization or structure. 2. There are stakeholders that still need to become more involved, like network operators and software developers. 3. Governments, including military and intelligence sectors, in addition to traditional security and defense strategies, need to improve their awareness of the multistakeholder nature of the Internet and the vital importance of cooperation to address security threats. They need to participate more in the national and international security forums and improve cooperation with other stakeholders. 4. There is room and a need for new forums and initiatives, but they should not replace existing structures. Any new initiative should aim at leveraging and improving the multistakeholder structures already in place today. -------------- next part -------------- Evolution and Internationalization of ICANN Area: ROADMAP FOR THE FURTHER EVOLUTION OF THE INTERNET GOVERNANCE ECOSYSTEM Entitled by: Flavio Rech Wagner Region: Brazil Organization: CGI.br - Brazilian Internet Steering Committee Sector: Other Keywords: ICANN, internationalization, multistakeholderism, accountability, IANA functions Abstract CGI.br understands that ICANN’s evolution shall be guided by two main tenets: (1) ICANN has to be fully internationalized and has to develop a proper framework for both vertical and horizontal accountability; and (2) ICANN's institutional evolution shall seek a better equilibrium among all stakeholders and among all countries. Instead of specific proposals, this document highlights goals to be pursued after the NetMundial meeting and posits requirements to be observed and questions to be asked in the course of that quest. CGI.br assumes that ICANN shall remain the responsible institution for the assignment of names and numbers and understands that keeping ICANN as focal point for those activities is the best alternative for the assurance of a unique and global Internet. It does not mean that ICANN’s operation and governance system are to remain unchallenged. Instead, it means that it is better to count on a fully established system to be enhanced than to start a whole new system. Document Evolution and Internationalization of ICANN CGI.br - Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (Note 1) Summary The Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br) understands that ICANN’s evolution shall be guided by these main tenets: (1) the organization has to be fully internationalized and it has to develop a proper framework for both vertical and horizontal accountability; and (2) ICANN's institutional evolution shall seek a better equilibrium among all stakeholders, as well as among the different countries. Instead of listing a set of specific proposals, this document highlights some objectives to be pursued after the NetMundial meeting and posits some requirements to be observed and some questions to be asked in the course of that quest. It bears on the assumption that ICANN should be the responsible institution within the Internet governance ecosystem for the assignment of names and numbers, including the full spectrum of the IANA functions. CGI.br understands that the maintenance of ICANN as a focal point for those activities is the best alternative for the assurance of a unique and global Internet, for it has the established technical capacity and the policy-making mechanisms that can keep the Internet running without compromising its availability in the furtherance of current global Internet governance discussion fora, such as NetMundial and IGF. It does not mean that ICANN’s operation and its governance system are to remain unchallenged. It simply means that it is better to count on a fully established system to be enhanced than to start a whole system from scratch. 1. The role for an internationalized ICANN CGI.br supports the measures that have been taken in regard to ICANN's internationalization, but understands that so far they have been focused mainly on the operational level of its mandate (Note 2). Far more important than those efforts is placing ICANN under a new international legal-institutional framework that replaces the current contract (the Affirmation of Commitments) with the USA government and removes ICANN's direct or indirect subordination to the US legal system (Note 3). In realistic terms, this goal may be achieved within a 5 to 10 years time frame, following a sequence of steps that are still to be devised, following a roadmap for the international Internet governance ecosystem that is expected as one of the outcomes of multistakeholder fora like NetMundial, IGF, and others. One of the main IANA functions is the global coordination of the allocation and registration of IP addresses. ICANN is still legally responsible for this function, but its practical execution is completely decentralized by the global structure of five different Regional Internet Registries (RIRs). These RIRs have in turn created a coordination forum - the Number Resource Organization (NRO). The RIRs and the NRO coordinate the process of distribution of IPv4 and IPv6 blocks, also taking into account a well designed and consensual strategy for the transition of the number resources. CGI.br strongly believes that this is a very good example of how other IANA functions can be decentralized and delegated, without removing the overall institutional responsibility of ICANN over those functions. It also serves as a very suitable model for the internationalization of IANA functions. The sound solution for the internationalization of ICANN - considering that it should keep all its current responsibilities - has to encompass the discussion of adequate solutions for the effective internationalization of all IANA functions (not only the allocation and registration of IP addresses). In the search of an adequate legal and institutional framework that replaces the current contract with the US government, it will be extremely relevant to decide which entity, or set of entities, will be made responsible for the management of the root zone file, such as to guarantee its stability, security, and reliability. An adequate direction for that matter can be the assignment of this task to a set of international entities (in a way similar to the RIRs/NRO structure for IP allocation) that are already responsible for other aspects of the Internet governance, that operate in a well-balanced multistakeholder model, and that bear the required technical qualifications. A third aspect of the evolution of ICANN towards its internationalization is its accountability. ICANN is currently accountable to the US government, according to the goals and mechanisms that are established by the AoC. In theoretical terms, those present to the NetMundial meeting shall bear in mind the fact that there are different sorts of accountability that depend mostly on the nature of the relations and of the interest of the actors in a specific institutional setting (Note 4). Within democratic political institutions, for instance, vertical and horizontal accountability are two different components of overall accountability (Note 5). Vertical accountability means that each specific organ within the ICANN chart has to be fully accountable to its direct constituents. Horizontal accountability means that, within the ICANN system, every single organ has to be fully accountable to all others as well. And all of the system has to be fully accountable to Internet users in general, in a reliable, open and transparent, and timely manner. How can ICANN, in an international legal and institutional framework different from the AoC and from the current bylaws that guide the corporation, be accountable to the public interest, represented by all end users of the Internet, in a way that is consistent with universally accepted principles of use and governance of the Internet which respect fundamental human rights and promote social, economic, and cultural progress of citizens of all countries? An adequate roadmap for the evolution of the global Internet governance ecosystem, together with a roadmap for the internationalization of ICANN, must firstly look for this set of principles for the use and governance of the Internet, from which the definition of accountability mechanisms for ICANN will be possible. In a certain way, the set of stakeholder groups that are present in ICANN also represents the international public interest, expressed by a set of principles for use and governance of the Internet - or, with the appropriate improvements in the structure and operation of ICANN, they may be able to represent this public interest. A possible way for improving the accountability of ICANN is to assign the oversight responsibility within the new institutional setting to be proposed as an outcome of NetMundial to already existent stakeholder groups within the ICANN system. Another approach would be the assignment of that oversight to entities outside ICANN, as long as they are recognized as representative of the international public interest. A clear advantage of this second approach is the avoidance of an overlapping reality, in which the organization responsible for policy making is also responsible for the oversight of policy implementation. 2. Leveling the playfield among stakeholders and countries In a paper presented at the 8th Annual GigaNet Symposium, Laura DeNardis and Mark Raymond classified multistakeholderism according to the type of stakeholders involved (States, firms, non-governmental organizations, and/or international organizations) and the nature of authority relations enshrined within a specific political community (hierarchical, polyarchic, or anarchic). The matrix derived from those two variables yields thirty three different forms of multistakeholderism (Note 6). CGI.br has its own model of governance - recognized as a best practice within several different fora, including the Internet Governance Forum and ICANN itself. It has successfully created a decalogue of fundamental principles for the use and governance of the Internet in Brazil. Both CGI.br's governance model and its decalogue can inform the way forward for the global governance of the Internet, not only because they represent the commitment of all stakeholders involved, but also because it expressly deals with cultural and socio-economic developmental issues that can serve the purposes and interests of developing and the least developed countries in global governance at large (Note 7). A first step on that direction shall be the establishment of a serious and permanent discussion about the appropriate contours of multistakeholderism for Internet governance in the 21st Century. Bearing in mind the study conducted by DeNardis and Raymond, CGI.br believes that the best model comprises all of the relevant actors within their scope of action and is polyarchic in form (the one in which authority is neither centralized within a single entity nor inexistent). Despite being polyarchic in nature, ICANN multistakeholder governance sometimes can tilt between anarchy (in which economic and political power outside institutional constraints is the enforcing mechanism) and hierarchy (in which the Board or the GAC, for instance, imposes restrictions on the action of other stakeholders). In light of that abstract reality, analyses of the structure and operation of ICANN have revealed various problems regarding an inadequate balance among the various stakeholder groups. Examples of problems are: the inadequacy of the mechanism for governments’ participation via the GAC; the very small influence of civil society upon the final decisions of the GNSO and the Board; and the capture of ICANN by the domain industry (both registries and registrars). To these problems we must add the lack of balance among different countries, whereby developing countries (both their governments and representatives of their civil societies and private sectors) have a very small influence on the policy cycle. The current structure of ICANN, including the Board, the SOs and the ACs, with their respective roles, and in particular the daily operation of these bodies, do not seem to achieve an adequate balance among all stakeholder groups and among all countries (Note 8). Although the improvements regarding transparency and accountability suggested by the ATRT 1, and revised and enhanced by the ATRT 2, go in the right direction, they lack enough generality, since they basically reflect priorities and conditions expressed by the AoC. A revision of those recommendations under a much more general framework could bring important enhancements to the structure and operation of ICANN. In the following, we suggest some specific paths to be followed. This is merely illustrative and shall be taken as a point of departure for further discussions: 1. Even if the GAC keeps its role as an advisory body to the Board, government representatives should participate effectively in the policy development processes in the GNSO. Governments' influence on those policies only when they are being considered by the Board for final deliberation should be avoided, as it represents an unduly advantage over other stakeholder groups. 1. The weight of registries and registrars in the policy development processes should be reduced. The current structure of “houses” in the GNSO gives them the same weight as all other stakeholder groups together, while, in fact, those other groups represent the interests of all other sectors of the society and are thus better placed to represent the public interest. 3. The structure and the role of the ALAC should be revised, since there is a clear redundancy among the ALAC and stakeholder groups in the GNSO; also the ALAC does not take part in the policy development processes in the GNSO. If the ALAC is meant to represent, in theory, the interests of all Internet users, who should be considered as very important stakeholders (maybe even the most important ones), this seems highly contradictory. Besides, the participation of individuals and entities in the ALAC neither follows transparent rules nor guarantees an adequate global representation of users. 4. The composition of the Board should be revised in order to reflect a better balance among stakeholder groups, considering the ultimate goals of ICANN, which should be materialized by a set of principles adopted by the organization for the use and governance of the Internet. In particular, in order to reinforce its multistakeholder nature, the number of Board seats allocated by the NomCom could be reduced, thus increasing the slots for Board members directly elected by the SOs. 5. Sufficient funds should be provided to promote and ensure the participation of individuals representing stakeholder groups from developing countries. Mechanisms should be implemented to ensure their effective participation in the different organizations, committees, and working groups of ICANN. 6. Once an adequate and balanced participation of all stakeholder groups (including governments) and all countries in the policy development processes in the GNSO is ensured, the role of the Board regarding the final approval of those policies should be revised. The Board should have only an oversight role over those processes, in a way to guarantee that they follow the adequate balance among all stakeholder groups and that the public interest has been served. The guidance for the Board shall derive from the overarching set of principles for the use and governance of the Internet to which ICANN should be committed. Also the Board accountability and transparency mechanisms should be improved, in such a way that the global society is able to check that the actions of the Board are consistent with the safeguard of those principles. Notes: 1. CGI.br thanks the collaboration of Mr. Diego Rafael Canabarro in the drafting of this document. He is a PhD candidate in Political Science and Research Assistant to the Center for International Studies on Government (CEGOV) at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil. 2. ERMERT, M. ICANN CEO Wants To Shift “Centre Of Gravity” Away From US. IP Watch, April 9, 2013. Available in: www.ip-watch.org/2013/04/09/icann-ceo-wants-to-shift-centre-of-gravity-away-from-us/. 3. FROOMKIN, F. Almost Free: An Analysis of ICANN's ‘Affirmation of Commitments’ (January 20, 2011). Journal of Telecommunications and High Technology Law, Vol. 9, 2011; University of Miami Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2011-01. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1744086. 4. LERNER, J. S.; TETLOCK, P. E. Accounting for the effects of accountability. Psychological bulletin, v. 125, p. 255–275, 1999. 5. O'DONNELL, G. (1999), "Horizontal accountability in new democracies", in Schedler, A.G., O Diamond and M F Planner (editors). 6. DENARDIS, Laura; RAYMOND, Mark, Thinking Clearly About Multistakeholder Internet Governance (November 14, 2013). Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2354377 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2354377. See also DENARDIS, Laura. “Multistakeholderism and the Internet Governance Challenge to Democracy,” Harvard International Review Vol. XXXIV, N. 4, Spring 2013. 7. http://www.cgi.br/regulamentacao/pdf/resolucao-2009-003-pt-en-es.pdf 8. FELD, H. Structured to Fail: ICANN and the Privatization Experiment. Who Rules the Net? Internet Governance and Jurisdiction. A. THIERER and C. W. CREWS. Washington, DC, USA, Cato Institute, (2003). --- PALFREY, J. G. The End of the Experiment: How ICANN's Foray into Global Internet Democracy Failed. Harvard Public Law Working Paper No. 93; Berkman Center Research Publication No. 2004-02. Available in: . --- HUSTON, G. Opinion: ICANN, the ITU, WSIS, and Internet Governance. The Internet Protocol Journal, v. 8, n. 15-28, 2012. --- KLEIN, H.; MUELLER, M. What to Do About ICANN: A Proposal for Structural Reform. April 5, 2005. Available in: . --- LACROIX, D. (2013a). Governance of Top Level Domains (TLDs): a failed revolution? 1st International Conference on Internet Science, Brussels, April 9-11, pages 133-141, 2013. -------------- next part -------------- Privacy and Surveillance Area: COMBINED INTERNET GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES AND ROADMAP Entitled by: Veridiana Alimonti Region: Brazil Organization: Brazilian Internet Steering Committee - CGI.br Sector: Other Keywords: right to privacy, human rights, surveillance, fundamentals Abstract Information and Communications Technologies provide powerful tools for collecting, storing and processing personal data. Such tools can be used by both the private sector and the Government, and in both cases they should comply with strict standards on the protection of the fundamental right to privacy. Edward Snowden’s denunciations of mass spying by the United States National Security Agency gave rise to a global general interest in the surveillance of citizens worldwide. Although PRISM-based programs and rules have been a reality for many years, Snowden's episode does not lose its relevance. States, civil society organizations and technical community has now a precious opportunity to set a needed path for the construction of global solutions to this issue within the Internet governance ecosystem. The purpose of this submission is to contribute to this discussion. Document In addition to enhancing the dissemination of ideas and opinions and allowing for the creation and manifestation of diversity, Information and Communications Technologies also provide powerful tools for collecting, storing and processing personal data. Such tools can be used by both the private sector and the Government, and in both cases they must comply with strict standards on the protection of the fundamental right to privacy. Internationally, this right is provided for in article XII of the Declaration of Human Rights, which protects one from any arbitrary or illegal interference with its private life and assures the protection of law against such interferences and attacks. Similar provision is given under article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, among others. Different national and regional laws also include the right to privacy with more or less details. In Brazil, privacy protection is an indelible clause (“cláusula pétrea”) of the Brazilian Federal Constitution of 1988, covering the inviolability of the communications (articles 5, X and XII), and is part of the Brazilian Internet Use and Governance Principles approved by CGI.Br - Comitê Gestor da Internet no Brasil, (Brazilian Internet Steering Committee) in 2009. Its strict relation with the exercise of freedom of expression, with the access to the information and with the base principles of a democratic society was reaffirmed in the recent UN resolution “The Right to Privacy in the Digital Age”, proposed by Brazil and Germany and supported by 55 co-sponsorsing countries. Edward Snowden’s denunciations of mass spying by the United States National Security Agency gave rise to a global general interest in the surveillance of citizens worldwide. Although PRISM-based programs and rules have been a reality for many years, such as the Echelon Program or the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), Snowden's episode is quite relevant for some reasons. The first and most important of them is the opportunity that is opened for reviewing such practices in reply to the coordinated international reaction. The second one is the increased understanding that any reaction implies recognition of the global scale of the network, and therefore the international effort to set parameters and control mechanisms for surveillance. The third one consists of evidences that the fight against spying goes through telecommunication networks, different Internet layers, hardware and software. The question, therefore, is how to protect the privacy and the personal data in this context. The current international Internet governance ecosystem lacks a proper body with authority to discuss and coordinate solutions from the perspective of human rights protection. Multistakeholder spaces such as the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) or the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) could be structured as bodies responsible for coordinating discussions and actions and entitled to make recommendations to other international bodies towards more effective privacy protection globally. Given the current international law and human rights perspective, CGI.br also considers that the definition of parameters for ensuring privacy of communications must be based on some fundamentals: - Initially, the principle of legality must be respected, i.e., the need for clear and accurate legal provision for cases where communication surveillance is admitted must be ensured. These law provisions must confer such powers only upon authorization by the competent judicial authority and for a legitimate aim clearly delimited that serves to the protection of relevant legal interests required in democratic societies. Communications surveillance may not be established based on discrimination of race, color, religion, gender, language, nationality, social origins, political opinions, or other similar criteria. - Such limitations to privacy in communications must be necessary, adequate and proportional considering the legitimate goals intended to be achieved. “Necessary”, because it must be the only means or the least offensive alternative to human rights able to effectively achieve the intended legitimate aim. “Adequate” because it is necessary that it is proper to achieve this specific aim. “Proportional”, because it must always be considered that the practice of surveillance is harmful to the exercise of fundamental rights and to democracy. In such context, the adoption of these practices must entail the balancing of the seriousness involving the breach of privacy in relation to the legitimate aim intended to be achieved, with the establishment of measures and differentiated degrees of intrusion for criminal investigations and other investigations. - The limitations to the right to privacy on communications must be determined by a competent and impartial judicial authority that is independent from other authorities that conduct the surveillance proceedings. Court order shall be issued in the due process, subject to the procedures provided for by law, publicly known and in line with the protection of human rights. Full legal defense cannot be excluded also, and user notification may be waived or postponed only in specific cases set forth by law. - Transparency of the States in the use and scope of the techniques and powers related to communications surveillance is required. Periodic reports must give information about refused and approved requests, about what is the service provider that has received them and about the type of investigation. The applicable legislation and the procedures put in place by the service providers, regarding those requests, also must be publicly available. The practice of surveillance by the State must be under the supervision of other entities. The compliance of these measures, however, doesn’t avoid the concern that the surveillance on communications may compromise the integrity, security and privacy of the communication system. - Finally, it is relevant to establish protection related to the international cooperation on the provision of data and against the illegitimate access to the information of users. In the first case, among others, it is important to assure international standards with high level of human rights protection by means of agreements clearly documented, publicly available, and subjected to the guarantees of procedural fairness. In the second case, it’s necessary that countries are encouraged to consider on their legal systems the appropriated responsibility to improper usage and providing of data, as well as stipulate defense mechanisms to the individuals affected. The legal protection of privacy may also imply the guarantee of data destruction or its return to the individuals as soon as the material obtained through surveillance procedures has accomplished the purpose for which it has been collected. These fundamentals are inspired by a proposal developed by different international civil society organizations and supported by more than 400 entities around the world, entitled “International Principles on the Application of Human Rights to Communications Surveillance” (available at https://en.necessaryandproportionate.org). From Guru at ITforChange.net Mon Mar 17 10:05:04 2014 From: Guru at ITforChange.net (=?UTF-8?B?R3VydSDgpJfgpYHgpLDgpYE=?=) Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 19:35:04 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: References: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net> Message-ID: <53270110.40803@ITforChange.net> David, On 03/17/2014 11:16 AM, David Cake wrote: > > On 10 Mar 2014, at 6:26 pm, Guru गुरु > wrote: > >> Dear all, >> >> Not clear, how in Multistakeholderism, where the private sector has >> an equal footing in public policy making, we will get Google to agree >> that its search algorithm, as the key factor organising the worlds >> information/knowledge for all of us, needs to be public knowledge, >> not a commercial secret. The need for it to be public knowledge stems >> from privacy/surveillance concerns, because such fundamental >> knowledge ought to be available as 'cultural commons' that others can >> take/re-use/revise, fostering competition etc. > > Indeed. It is particularly unclear because many in civil society, or > government for that matter, might oppose it becoming public knowledge. > Such a course of action would almost certainly lead to many Google > searches returning results ranked according to the most industrious > search engine optimisation service customers, rather than having at > least a reasonable chance of being ranked in a useful way. Adam also mentioned the issue of searches being gamed and I did give a response ... the issue of technical challenges needs to be considered, but anyone familiar with public policy making knows that policy making is a very complex activity with many possibilities, probabilities, difficulties, technicalities etc... the first sign of technical difficulties is no reason to abandon a public policy measure. The world of IT is supposed to be the world of great innovation, here innovation can serve public interest purpose (by identifying methods by which gaming can be reduced if not eliminated), rather than private profit. > Google have revealed quite a few aspects of how they store search > information, and how they use it Who have they revealed it to? How do we ensure that what they are saying reflects reality/truth? In the spirit of public policy making (which normally involves considerable cross understanding, give and take), I am willing to consider possibilities that google does not make its search algorithm open to all, but shares it with a group/body of identified public interest actors, who can in confidence, scrutinise it to ensure that the search engine is not violating our rights for its commercial purposes (and for the political interests of its masters). Would you support this idea? This is one possibility, we may need to figure out many other possibilities, exceptions etc > , and what they have revealed is of significant value in assessing the > privacy implications (and FWIW, they de-identify most search data > after 6 months, or at least that was the case when I was last given a > detailed briefing in 2012). > But they have good reasons for keeping the details of their search > algorithms secret that go beyond simple desire to keep the details of > their business secret - an algorithm that is public is one that will > be gamed by search engine optimization services, thus rendering the > service significantly less useful. I don't see rendering googles > searches vulnerable to SEO to be a useful public policy goal. I > appreciate the idea of their basic algorithms being part of the > cultural commons, Much thanks for appreciating that search for information in the "information society" is indeed part of cultural commons, it ought to work for the public interest and not be coloured by private interest. This I think is a basic principle. Today we really have no idea what malignant pieces of code are hidden in the search algorithm that violate various human rights ..... > but they have revealed their basic technique > I'm not arguing against oversight. But expecting revelation of trade > secrets, even when it destroys both the commercial advantage gained by > their development, AND the utility of the service to the general > public, seems to push that principle too far. > Cheers > > David > >> >> regards, >> Guru >> >> Google faces Rs 30,500-cr fine in India >> New Delhi, PTI: March 9, 2014 >> >> Google can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion if it is found >> to have violated competition norms of the country. Google, which is >> facing anti-trust investigation in India by fair trade watchdog >> Competition Commission of India (CCI), can face a penalty of up to >> about $5 billion (Rs 30,500 crore) if it is found to have violated >> competition norms of the country. >> >> Google said it is “extending full cooperation” to the CCI in its >> investigation. The conclusion of a two-year review by the US >> antitrust watchdog has concluded that the company's services were >> good for competition, it added. The case has been before the CCI for >> over two years now, and it relates to allegations that Google is >> abusing its dominant position. Under competition regulations, an >> entity found violating the norms could be slapped with penalty of up >> to 10 per cent of its three-year annual average turnover. In the case >> of Google, its annual revenues in the last three years amounts to a >> staggering $49.3 billion (Rs 3.01 lakh crore), and the maximum >> penalty can be up to nearly $5 billion. >> >> When asked about the ongoing probe and the potential penalty, a >> Google spokesperson said: “We are extending full co-operation to the >> Competition Commission of India in their investigation.” The emailed >> statement added: “We're pleased that the conclusion of the Federal >> Trade Commission's two-year review was that Google's services are >> good for users and good for competition.” >> >> A complaint filed with the CCI cannot be withdrawn. The complaint >> against Google, also one of the world's most valued company, was >> first filed by advocacy group CUTS International way back in late >> 2011. Later. Matrimonial website matrimony.com >> Private Ltd also filed a complaint. Last year, CCI chairman Ashok >> Chawla had said the complaint was that the Google search engine >> favours platforms it wants to support. >> >> “That is, when you click on Google under a certain category, you will >> get the platforms where there is a tendency to put them in a certain >> order which may not be the fair and non-discriminatory. So, *what is >> the software and what is the algorithmic search, (that is) what the >> investigation team is looking at,” *Chawla had said. >> >> source - >> http://www.deccanherald.com/content/390977/google-faces-rs-30500-cr.html >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> bestbits at lists.bestbits.net . >> To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: >> http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ajp at glocom.ac.jp Mon Mar 17 10:50:36 2014 From: ajp at glocom.ac.jp (Adam Peake) Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 23:50:36 +0900 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <53270110.40803@ITforChange.net> References: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net> <53270110.40803@ITforChange.net> Message-ID: On Mar 17, 2014, at 11:05 PM, Guru गुरु wrote: > David, > > On 03/17/2014 11:16 AM, David Cake wrote: >> >> On 10 Mar 2014, at 6:26 pm, Guru गुरु wrote: >> >>> Dear all, >>> >>> Not clear, how in Multistakeholderism, where the private sector has an equal footing in public policy making, we will get Google to agree that its search algorithm, as the key factor organising the worlds information/knowledge for all of us, needs to be public knowledge, not a commercial secret. The need for it to be public knowledge stems from privacy/surveillance concerns, because such fundamental knowledge ought to be available as 'cultural commons' that others can take/re-use/revise, fostering competition etc. >> >> Indeed. It is particularly unclear because many in civil society, or government for that matter, might oppose it becoming public knowledge. Such a course of action would almost certainly lead to many Google searches returning results ranked according to the most industrious search engine optimisation service customers, rather than having at least a reasonable chance of being ranked in a useful way. > > Adam also mentioned the issue of searches being gamed and I did give a response ... Hi Guru, Apologies, I took your reply as agreeing with the points I made, so I didn't bother to reply further. You agreed to a high probability of gaming occurring... and suggested research. I took this as you agreeing that you had been too enthusiastic when stating that Google's search algorithm needs to be public knowledge. Best, Adam > the issue of technical challenges needs to be considered, but anyone familiar with public policy making knows that policy making is a very complex activity with many possibilities, probabilities, difficulties, technicalities etc... the first sign of technical difficulties is no reason to abandon a public policy measure. The world of IT is supposed to be the world of great innovation, here innovation can serve public interest purpose (by identifying methods by which gaming can be reduced if not eliminated), rather than private profit. > >> Google have revealed quite a few aspects of how they store search information, and how they use it > > Who have they revealed it to? > How do we ensure that what they are saying reflects reality/truth? > > In the spirit of public policy making (which normally involves considerable cross understanding, give and take), I am willing to consider possibilities that google does not make its search algorithm open to all, but shares it with a group/body of identified public interest actors, who can in confidence, scrutinise it to ensure that the search engine is not violating our rights for its commercial purposes (and for the political interests of its masters). Would you support this idea? This is one possibility, we may need to figure out many other possibilities, exceptions etc > >> , and what they have revealed is of significant value in assessing the privacy implications (and FWIW, they de-identify most search data after 6 months, or at least that was the case when I was last given a detailed briefing in 2012). >> But they have good reasons for keeping the details of their search algorithms secret that go beyond simple desire to keep the details of their business secret - an algorithm that is public is one that will be gamed by search engine optimization services, thus rendering the service significantly less useful. I don't see rendering googles searches vulnerable to SEO to be a useful public policy goal. I appreciate the idea of their basic algorithms being part of the cultural commons, > > Much thanks for appreciating that search for information in the "information society" is indeed part of cultural commons, it ought to work for the public interest and not be coloured by private interest. This I think is a basic principle. Today we really have no idea what malignant pieces of code are hidden in the search algorithm that violate various human rights ..... > >> but they have revealed their basic technique >> I'm not arguing against oversight. But expecting revelation of trade secrets, even when it destroys both the commercial advantage gained by their development, AND the utility of the service to the general public, seems to push that principle too far. >> Cheers >> >> David >> >>> >>> regards, >>> Guru >>> >>> Google faces Rs 30,500-cr fine in India >>> New Delhi, PTI: March 9, 2014 >>> >>> Google can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion if it is found to have violated competition norms of the country. Google, which is facing anti-trust investigation in India by fair trade watchdog Competition Commission of India (CCI), can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion (Rs 30,500 crore) if it is found to have violated competition norms of the country. >>> >>> Google said it is “extending full cooperation” to the CCI in its investigation. The conclusion of a two-year review by the US antitrust watchdog has concluded that the company's services were good for competition, it added. The case has been before the CCI for over two years now, and it relates to allegations that Google is abusing its dominant position. Under competition regulations, an entity found violating the norms could be slapped with penalty of up to 10 per cent of its three-year annual average turnover. In the case of Google, its annual revenues in the last three years amounts to a staggering $49.3 billion (Rs 3.01 lakh crore), and the maximum penalty can be up to nearly $5 billion. >>> >>> When asked about the ongoing probe and the potential penalty, a Google spokesperson said: “We are extending full co-operation to the Competition Commission of India in their investigation.” The emailed statement added: “We're pleased that the conclusion of the Federal Trade Commission's two-year review was that Google's services are good for users and good for competition.” >>> >>> A complaint filed with the CCI cannot be withdrawn. The complaint against Google, also one of the world's most valued company, was first filed by advocacy group CUTS International way back in late 2011. Later. Matrimonial website matrimony.com Private Ltd also filed a complaint. Last year, CCI chairman Ashok Chawla had said the complaint was that the Google search engine favours platforms it wants to support. >>> >>> “That is, when you click on Google under a certain category, you will get the platforms where there is a tendency to put them in a certain order which may not be the fair and non-discriminatory. So, what is the software and what is the algorithmic search, (that is) what the investigation team is looking at,” Chawla had said. >>> >>> source - http://www.deccanherald.com/content/390977/google-faces-rs-30500-cr.html >>> ____________________________________________________________ >>> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >>> bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. >>> To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: >>> http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits >> > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t From parminder at itforchange.net Wed Mar 5 06:21:57 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 16:51:57 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> Hi Jeremy For quite some time now, my analysis/prediction about the efforts of ICANN plus (and whoever backs them) vis vis the NetMundial has been as follows; 1. the main aim was to stop Brazil from the path Its President's speech at the UN looked to be paving - that of engaging the global community in UN spaces for the needed global Internet governance mechanisms.... That aim has been achieved, at least for the time being... 2. To make an alluring offer to Brazil to get them off the track mentioned above, which was in terms of some vague promises about some real steps forward in terms of internationalisation of ICANN... However as NetMundial approaches, we hear less and less of anything concrete in this regard. Anyway, since the show was being arranged, it was found useful if some good text could be got into the NetMundial outcome docs on/*'multistakeholder decision making' including, and specifically, on global public policy issues*/. This latter is the primary objective at this point. And the mentioned parties have been going about in a completely unabashed manner - helped considerably by some unexplained high degree of bashfulness of the involved civil society. We saw 1 Net being formed from nowhere (sorry, now we know, from an ICANN board decision), it taking over the meeting's co-ownership, various shenanigans around selection of its steering committee (which in any case is constantly bypassed, and never seems to converse with the respective constituencies), imposition of a person with highly questionable standing and reputation as civil society leader of the meeting (about which Ian again recommends further bashful for civil society) , and now a sudden survey which will formulate the 1Net aka 'global internet community' view on Internet principles for submission to the netMundial..... and so on.... Believe me, you havent seen nothing yet. Wait for the days close to the meeting.... And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at all points in the decision-making process." Well of course. Two hoots to democracy! Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... BUT... /* *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable multistakeholder participation"*/ and whether it is different from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. Please address this point specifically. I hope those proposing this statement will explain this point. I think it is their responsibility to do so, instead of slipping in such concepts, what would in default be, somewhat surreptitiously, which many potential signees are apt to miss.. Thanks parminder On Wednesday 05 March 2014 01:30 AM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: > Dear all, > > With thanks to everyone for their hard work on the drafts, we are now > simultaneously launching three submissions for the NETmundial meeting. > These submissions are the end results of extensive discussions on the > Best Bits lists going back to last year, with a final face-to-face > review this week (particularly on the roadmap for further evolution of > the institutional submission) by those of you who are present at > RightsCon in San Francisco. > > The three complementary submissions, all of which are open for > endorsement separately, are: > > 1. Internet governance principles, > http://bestbits.net/netmundial-principles/ > 2. Roadmap for the Further Evolution of the Internet Governance > Ecosystem – institutional mechanisms, > http://bestbits.net/netmundial-roadmap/ > 3. Roadmap for the Further Evolution of the Internet Governance > Ecosystem – ICANN, http://bestbits.net/netmundial-icann/ > > > These will be formally submitted to NETmundial on 8 March 2014, but > between now and then we are gathering as many endorsements for each of > the statements as we can. So please I would encourage everyone to > read the statements, to endorse each of them separately (if you agree > with them, of course), and then to spread the word through social > media, email or word of mouth. > > Thanks again to everyone involved, and we really hope to see your > endorsement on each of the submissions soon. > > -- > Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com > Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek > host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk -F! > '{print $3}' > > WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly > recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see > http://jere.my/l/pgp. > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Guru at ITforChange.net Mon Mar 17 11:29:43 2014 From: Guru at ITforChange.net (=?UTF-8?B?R3VydSDgpJfgpYHgpLDgpYE=?=) Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 20:59:43 +0530 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: References: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net> <53270110.40803@ITforChange.net> Message-ID: <532714E7.7010107@ITforChange.net> On 03/17/2014 08:20 PM, Adam Peake wrote: > On Mar 17, 2014, at 11:05 PM, Guru गुरु wrote: > >> David, >> >> On 03/17/2014 11:16 AM, David Cake wrote: >>> On 10 Mar 2014, at 6:26 pm, Guru गुरु wrote: >>> >>>> Dear all, >>>> >>>> Not clear, how in Multistakeholderism, where the private sector has an equal footing in public policy making, we will get Google to agree that its search algorithm, as the key factor organising the worlds information/knowledge for all of us, needs to be public knowledge, not a commercial secret. The need for it to be public knowledge stems from privacy/surveillance concerns, because such fundamental knowledge ought to be available as 'cultural commons' that others can take/re-use/revise, fostering competition etc. >>> Indeed. It is particularly unclear because many in civil society, or government for that matter, might oppose it becoming public knowledge. Such a course of action would almost certainly lead to many Google searches returning results ranked according to the most industrious search engine optimisation service customers, rather than having at least a reasonable chance of being ranked in a useful way. >> Adam also mentioned the issue of searches being gamed and I did give a response ... > > Hi Guru, > > Apologies, I took your reply as agreeing with the points I made, so I didn't bother to reply further. You agreed to a high probability of gaming occurring... and suggested research. I took this as you agreeing that you had been too enthusiastic when stating that Google's search algorithm needs to be public knowledge. Hardly Adam, for any public policy, there will be innumerable issues/challenges. the challenge of gaming is obvious and I have no doubt it needs to be and can be addressed. By the same logic, free and open source software should have the maximum viruses since it the source code is freely available. Paradoxically, while Windows is plagued with viruses, GNU/Linux is not. One of the reasons given is that, the open source allows many people to study and identify issues and help resolve it... whereas this is not possible with proprietary software. Do you accept that Google keeping its search algorithm has dangerous public interest implications - we really dont know what is hidden in the code used by millions of users and how it may have malignant code that can serve its commercial (and post Snowden we know how many US IT companies are hand in glove with the USG) political interest of its masters.? If yes, then you need to think of a public interest based response to this ... the ball is in your court as well.. Guru > Best, > > Adam > > > From lmcknigh at syr.edu Mon Mar 17 12:40:09 2014 From: lmcknigh at syr.edu (Lee W McKnight) Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 16:40:09 +0000 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <532714E7.7010107@ITforChange.net> References: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net> <53270110.40803@ITforChange.net> ,<532714E7.7010107@ITforChange.net> Message-ID: <57725fde13d044fc89fd30239786e884@EX13-MBX-07.ad.syr.edu> Hey Guru, As I have previously stated, competition policy is a purview of states, and at global level, organizations like the WTO; and draft treaties like the TPP, like it or not. ICANN can set its own - subsidiary - policies in that arena but it is far more likely the Chinese, Indian, French, EU, and US relevant government agencies will have oversight of Google search effects on market competition - and what a coincidence, all of them have a variety of competition policy inquiries into Google search and other practices going on right now. Of course Best Bits and IGC are free to weigh in on the specifics in each of those cases, and make recommendations for new global public policies, for the global Internet economy also in the competition policy arena broadly speaking. But, I am more than a little unclear, OK I am seriously confused, if you now are suggesting ICANN should weigh in and be a place that can set that level of competition policy. In a hypothetical future out-of-California state? I suggest we are confounding levels of political, and regulatory authority, if we are suggesting that ICANN should substitute, or even have a place at the table, with competition policy matters before the WTO, OECD, TPP, and Indian, Chinese, French, EU, and US governments - to just list the competition policy/regulatory arenas I am aware of where Google practices are in question, there might be more. To end on a positive/speculative note, if you are suggesting a new UDRP-like arrangement whereby ICANN provides/channels multi-stakeholder input into say WTO/EU?/national competition policy inquiries...well, that would be - different : ) Lee ________________________________________ From: bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net on behalf of Guru गुरु Sent: Monday, March 17, 2014 11:29 AM To: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net; governance at lists.igcaucus.org Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] need for regulation .... On 03/17/2014 08:20 PM, Adam Peake wrote: > On Mar 17, 2014, at 11:05 PM, Guru गुरु wrote: > >> David, >> >> On 03/17/2014 11:16 AM, David Cake wrote: >>> On 10 Mar 2014, at 6:26 pm, Guru गुरु wrote: >>> >>>> Dear all, >>>> >>>> Not clear, how in Multistakeholderism, where the private sector has an equal footing in public policy making, we will get Google to agree that its search algorithm, as the key factor organising the worlds information/knowledge for all of us, needs to be public knowledge, not a commercial secret. The need for it to be public knowledge stems from privacy/surveillance concerns, because such fundamental knowledge ought to be available as 'cultural commons' that others can take/re-use/revise, fostering competition etc. >>> Indeed. It is particularly unclear because many in civil society, or government for that matter, might oppose it becoming public knowledge. Such a course of action would almost certainly lead to many Google searches returning results ranked according to the most industrious search engine optimisation service customers, rather than having at least a reasonable chance of being ranked in a useful way. >> Adam also mentioned the issue of searches being gamed and I did give a response ... > > Hi Guru, > > Apologies, I took your reply as agreeing with the points I made, so I didn't bother to reply further. You agreed to a high probability of gaming occurring... and suggested research. I took this as you agreeing that you had been too enthusiastic when stating that Google's search algorithm needs to be public knowledge. Hardly Adam, for any public policy, there will be innumerable issues/challenges. the challenge of gaming is obvious and I have no doubt it needs to be and can be addressed. By the same logic, free and open source software should have the maximum viruses since it the source code is freely available. Paradoxically, while Windows is plagued with viruses, GNU/Linux is not. One of the reasons given is that, the open source allows many people to study and identify issues and help resolve it... whereas this is not possible with proprietary software. Do you accept that Google keeping its search algorithm has dangerous public interest implications - we really dont know what is hidden in the code used by millions of users and how it may have malignant code that can serve its commercial (and post Snowden we know how many US IT companies are hand in glove with the USG) political interest of its masters.? If yes, then you need to think of a public interest based response to this ... the ball is in your court as well.. Guru > Best, > > Adam > > > From anriette at apc.org Mon Mar 17 14:24:14 2014 From: anriette at apc.org (Anriette Esterhuysen) Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 20:24:14 +0200 Subject: [bestbits] Input on IGF 2014 format and main sessions Message-ID: <53273DCE.6070205@apc.org> Dear all There is a MAG meeting tomorrow and I would like your input on session formats. Should there be 'main sessions' or focus sessions? How many? One a day or only on the first day and the last day? What should the format be of these sessions? Should there be feeder workshops? Or Round Tables on a theme? Should the MAG make an open call for policy questions around which these focus/main sessions can be built? Looking at the main and sub themes for this year's IGF, on which topics do you feel main sessions/focus sessions are needed? *Proposed Overaching Theme and Sub Themes for IGF 2014* Proposed Overarching Theme: *Connecting Continents for Enhanced Multistakeholder Internet Governance* Proposed Sub Themes: 1. Policies enabling Access 2. Content Creation, Dissemination and Use 3. Internet as engine for growth & development 4. IGF & The Future of the Internet ecosystem 5. Enhancing Digital Trust 6. Internet and Human Rights 7. Critical Internet Resources 8. Emerging Issues Thanks Anriette -- ------------------------------------------------------ anriette esterhuysen anriette at apc.org executive director, association for progressive communications www.apc.org po box 29755, melville 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From pranesh at cis-india.org Tue Mar 18 03:37:19 2014 From: pranesh at cis-india.org (Pranesh Prakash) Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 03:37:19 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 In-Reply-To: References: <5800F791D3D64A5FA6894D71AD81A110@Toshiba> <13BCD87FE58E4B7FA8F84F203701E533@Toshiba> <532598D1.90103@acm.org> <9B03F5AF-CF0B-4931-B968-66C33903C6ED@mail.utoronto.ca> Message-ID: <5327F7AF.5070104@cis-india.org> Sivasubramanian M [2014-03-16 13:37:31]: > Hello > >> IGC supports the multistakeholder policymaking model to the extent that it >> does not contradict the ideals of democracy, including due consideration to >> the rights of minorities (in the context of Internet policy) > > > "to the extent that Mutli-stakeholder model contradict the ideals of > democracy"? Multi-stakeholder model is expanded democracy, the next step > in the further evolution of democracy. Is there room for this model to > contradict the ideals of democracy??? Yes. A consensus model without a rights framework that safeguards minorities can be harmful to minorities. > "consideration of rights of minorities" - If this is a Global process, open > for participation from all stake-holders, from every nation, the policies > that would emerge out of the process is bound to be balanced. The intention > behind this thought about the "rights" of minorities might be noble, but as > unintended consequences, this idea of special attention could > lead to politicization of the process. You mean to say that Internet governance can be devoid of politics? I don't see how that is either possible nor why that would be desirable. -- Pranesh Prakash Policy Director, Centre for Internet and Society T: +91 80 40926283 | W: http://cis-india.org ------------------- Access to Knowledge Fellow, Information Society Project, Yale Law School M: +1 520 314 7147 | W: http://yaleisp.org PGP ID: 0x1D5C5F07 | Twitter: https://twitter.com/pranesh_prakash -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 819 bytes Desc: OpenPGP digital signature URL: From mctimconsulting at gmail.com Wed Mar 5 06:27:46 2014 From: mctimconsulting at gmail.com (McTim) Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2014 06:27:46 -0500 Subject: [governance] [bestbits] RSVP - discussion of governance mechanisms (was Re: substantive proposals for Brazil summit - IG) In-Reply-To: <5316D5AA.3060400@acm.org> References: <00ea01cf2409$3208d920$961a8b60$@gmail.com> <20140207150553.775173a6@quill> <156454A2925A4E8EB1F5913597EC11E0@Toshiba> <52F55F3B.4010408@acm.org> <02c701cf2498$acd5dec0$06819c40$@gmail.com> <52F71A0E.2090406@itforchange.net> <1146D0C6-9ABB-4DB5-8D4E-E0DE8664ED04@post.harvard.edu> <5316D5AA.3060400@acm.org> Message-ID: On Wed, Mar 5, 2014 at 2:43 AM, Avri Doria wrote: > Hi, > > The idea that Davos is a good example of multistakeholder process is, in > my opinion a straw dog argument. When most of us talk about > multistakeholder, we do not talk about just a special handful of polite CS > invitees, but an open door for multistakeholder actors. Davos, again in my > opinion, has nothing to do with multistakeholder policy making +1 rgds, McTim > except for those who want to continue to use their influence within their > own governments to the exclusion of others. > > > avri > > > On 03-Mar-14 15:44, David Allen wrote: > >> Though I am seriously late to find - thank goodness for it. >> >> Terrifying, for me anyway. Should be read widely. So much thanks to >> Parminder for sending. >> >> David >> >> >> On Feb 9, 2014, at 1:02 AM, parminder wrote: >> >> >>> please read this carefully. This is what multistakeholderism is all about >>> >>> http://www.tni.org/article/not-everybodys-business >>> >>> The WEF at Davos is its prototype, and it is certainly post-democratic.. >>> >>> Hope civil society groups (the IG kind) wake up before it is too late, >>> and history questions its role in subverting democracy. >>> >>> parminder >>> >> >> > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. > To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: > http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From parminder at itforchange.net Wed Mar 5 06:49:53 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 17:19:53 +0530 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> Message-ID: <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: > On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder > wrote: > >> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's behalf has >> this all important principle, "Decisions made with respect to >> Internet governance should only be made by bodies that allow free and >> equitable access to all stakeholders at all points in the >> decision-making process." Well of course. Two hoots to democracy! >> >> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >> >> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... BUT... >> /* >> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable multistakeholder >> participation"*/and whether it is different from what is meant in the >> above statement from 1Net's survey. If so, how.... More precisely, >> are you seeking that all stakeholders, including business reps, have >> equal part and role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public >> policies. Please address this point specifically. > > Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of this on > the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can read for > yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At various times it > was "parity" and "power sharing" before it became "equitable > participation", which is somewhat flexible, to accommodate the > different viewpoints that we all have about how equal the stakeholder > roles should be. I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and non-democracy. So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in /*decision making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and non gov actors.... And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and not skirt it... BTW, the German government has the following to say in its submission to NetMundial "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of the people, possess public authority including internet-related public policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for legitimacy and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to respect and protect human rights, ensure that the rule of law is respected and that relevant national legislation complies with their obligations under international law. Moreover, they need to ensure that the appropriate basic conditions both in terms of cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. Civil society serves, and should continue to do so, as a facilitator and notably as a source of empowerment and credibility, especially at community level. The private sector and particularly the technical community significantly influence and encourage the development, distribution and accessibility of the internet, and should continue to do so. In order to fully live up to the potentials for economic growth, innovation, freedom of expression, access to information and ideas and democratic participation in a knowledge society, all stakeholders involved need to work together." Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... parminder > > -- > Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com > Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek > host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk -F! > '{print $3}' > > WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly > recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see > http://jere.my/l/pgp. > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au Wed Mar 5 06:39:33 2014 From: Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au (Jeremy Malcolm) Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2014 19:39:33 +0800 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder wrote: > And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at all points in the decision-making process." Well of course. Two hoots to democracy! > > Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. > > I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... BUT... > > Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable multistakeholder participation" and whether it is different from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. Please address this point specifically. Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can read for yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At various times it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it became "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, to accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about how equal the stakeholder roles should be. -- Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 204 bytes Desc: Message signed with OpenPGP using GPGMail URL: From David_Allen_AB63 at post.harvard.edu Wed Mar 5 07:28:08 2014 From: David_Allen_AB63 at post.harvard.edu (David Allen) Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2014 07:28:08 -0500 Subject: [governance] [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> Message-ID: On Mar 5, 2014, at 6:49 AM, parminder wrote: > > On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder wrote: >> >>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at all points in the decision-making process." Well of course. Two hoots to democracy! >>> >>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>> >>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... BUT... >>> >>> Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable multistakeholder participation" and whether it is different from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. Please address this point specifically. >> >> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can read for yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At various times it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it became "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, to accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about how equal the stakeholder roles should be. > > > I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and non-democracy. > > So, request a clear response - do you mean parity in decision making about public policies between gov and non gov actors.... And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and not skirt it... > > BTW, the German government has the following to say in its submission to NetMundial > > "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of the people, possess public authority including internet-related public policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for legitimacy and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to respect and protect human rights, ensure that the rule of law is respected and that relevant national legislation complies with their obligations under international law. Moreover, they need to ensure that the appropriate basic conditions both in terms of cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. Civil society serves, and should continue to do so, as a facilitator and notably as a source of empowerment and credibility, especially at community level. The private sector and particularly the technical community significantly influence and encourage the development, distribution and accessibility of the internet, and should continue to do so. In order to fully live up to the potentials for economic growth, innovation, freedom of expression, access to information and ideas and democratic participation in a knowledge society, all stakeholders involved need to work together." > > Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... > > parminder I can only underline what Parminder says: Do you support democracy, as for instance laid out in the German statement - where governments are the legitimate makers and implementors of policy, with participation by the various members and groups in a society? Or, do you support some quite undefined alternative, to push democracy aside - where, just as a very tiny example, the Brazil meeting, which might have had such promise, is now the mouthpiece for ICANN aspirations? David -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au Wed Mar 5 07:21:17 2014 From: Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au (Jeremy Malcolm) Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2014 20:21:17 +0800 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:49 pm, parminder wrote: > So, request a clear response - do you mean parity in decision making about public policies between gov and non gov actors.... And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and not skirt it... Different people who contributed to the submission, even if they all endorse the final result, will probably give you different answers to that question. I'm not sure that anyone is interested in what my personal answer is because I'm just an individual, but I would say no I do not accept as a general proposition that parity in decision making is appropriate, which is why I personally objected to that language being used. For some issues, it will be appropriate that the stakeholders act as equals in the decision making process (to the extent that there is a "decision" at all). In other areas, it won't be appropriate and may be more appropriate that although all stakeholders are involved, one of them will legitimately take a bigger role than the others. For example governments may take a leading role in transnational human rights disputes, the technical community may do so in developing spam filtering standards, civil society may do so in developing human rights based principles for judging government surveillance practices, and even the private sector may do so, say in setting prices for the trading of IPv4 addresses. This also implies that the appropriate mechanism of governance may differ in each case, eg. laws, standards, markets. The above all follows naturally if you accept that there are no fixed stakeholder roles, because the appropriate roles will differ depending on the circumstances. > BTW, the German government has the following to say in its submission to NetMundial > > ... > > Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... Nope, don't agree with the German government's formulation because it maintains the fallacy of fixed stakeholder roles. -- Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 204 bytes Desc: Message signed with OpenPGP using GPGMail URL: From tracyhackshaw at gmail.com Wed Mar 5 07:42:04 2014 From: tracyhackshaw at gmail.com (Tracy F. Hackshaw @ Google) Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2014 08:42:04 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Call for IGF 2014 Workshop Proposals In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: (Apologies for cross-posting) Not sure if this has been posted on the various lists due to high volume of NetMundial traffic yet, but here it is from the IGF website. Note the hard and fast deadline. "IGF 2014 The Ninth Annual IGF Meeting will be held in Istanbul, Turkey on 2-5 September 2014. [NEW] Call for Workshop Proposals The IGF Secretariat is issuing a call for workshop proposals for the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum. Interested workshop organizers are kindly asked to submit workshop proposals through the online form that will be available on the IGF website from 25 March 2014. The deadline for submission is 15 April 2014. Please note that there can be no extension of the deadline. Before submission, they are kindly asked to read the Workshop submission guidelines before submission. A template of the online proposal form is available." ------ Rgds, -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From parminder at itforchange.net Wed Mar 5 07:29:32 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 17:59:32 +0530 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: > > On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder > > wrote: >> >>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's behalf >>> has this all important principle, "Decisions made with respect to >>> Internet governance should only be made by bodies that allow free >>> and equitable access to all stakeholders at all points in the >>> decision-making process." Well of course. Two hoots to democracy! >>> >>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>> >>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... BUT... >>> /* >>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>> multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is different from >>> what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. If so, >>> how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all stakeholders, >>> including business reps, have equal part and role (as gov reps) in >>> making decisions about public policies. Please address this point >>> specifically. >> >> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of this on >> the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can read for >> yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At various times >> it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it became "equitable >> participation", which is somewhat flexible, to accommodate the >> different viewpoints that we all have about how equal the stakeholder >> roles should be. > > > I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and non-democracy. > > So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in /*decision > making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and non gov actors.... It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that this CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not multistakeholder governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to multilateral democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet governanceshould be multilateral and democratic. " Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - does not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the principle inspirations. Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, CoE principles, and G 8 principles.... In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil society actors in IG space - come up with ..... There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance characteristics" you could think only of " openness, transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable multistakeholder participation */" (emphasis added) In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur to someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the group.... Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for me to stay away from this doc. And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not to get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the thin end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave new post democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream of.... It is a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed to be the Trojan Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib order. See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like equitable multistakeholder participation (further explained in the emerging contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the survey) are getting introduced as basis of our governance. And see how exactly it matches what some of us predicted is the prime objective at present of the US supported status quoists to get into the text of the outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. parminder > And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got > taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important > point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - rest > is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and not > skirt it... > > BTW, the German government has the following to say in its submission > to NetMundial > > "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of the > people, possess public authority including internet-related public > policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for legitimacy > and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to respect and protect > human rights, ensure that the rule of law is respected and that > relevant national legislation complies with their obligations under > international law. Moreover, they need to ensure that the appropriate > basic conditions both in terms of cyber-security and technical > provisions are in place. Civil society serves, and should continue to > do so, as a facilitator and notably as a source of empowerment and > credibility, especially at community level. The private sector and > particularly the technical community significantly influence and > encourage the development, distribution and accessibility of the > internet, and should continue to do so. In order to fully live up to > the potentials for economic growth, innovation, freedom of expression, > access to information and ideas and democratic participation in a > knowledge society, all stakeholders involved need to work together." > > Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... > > parminder > > > > >> >> -- >> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com >> Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek >> host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk >> -F! '{print $3}' >> >> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see >> http://jere.my/l/pgp. >> > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From parminder at itforchange.net Wed Mar 5 10:11:57 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 20:41:57 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [discuss] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <53173EBD.60108@itforchange.net> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 01:30 AM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: > Dear all, > > With thanks to everyone for their hard work on the drafts, we are now > simultaneously launching three submissions for the NETmundial meeting. > These submissions are the end results of extensive discussions on the > Best Bits lists going back to last year, with a final face-to-face > review this week (particularly on the roadmap for further evolution of > the institutional submission) by those of you who are present at > RightsCon in San Francisco. > > The three complementary submissions, all of which are open for > endorsement separately, are: > > 1. Internet governance principles, > http://bestbits.net/netmundial-principles/ > 2. Roadmap for the Further Evolution of the Internet Governance > Ecosystem -- institutional mechanisms, > http://bestbits.net/netmundial-roadmap/ > 3. Roadmap for the Further Evolution of the Internet Governance > Ecosystem -- ICANN, http://bestbits.net/netmundial-icann/ > The ICANN related submission really takes the cake... ICANN should stay a US non profit under Californian law, which is declared to be the best for this purpose. Great! That is just the pronouncement that people were waiting with bated breath for civil society to make. And if limited forays towards developing additional international bases -without changing the legal incorporation in the US - has indeed to be tried, try Belgium and Switzerland - dont even look at those dangerous developing countries. But then of course there is, latter on, also the standard, complementary patronising separate section on doing something about those poor developing countries.... And of course the only principle that ICANN should look at is FoE, no matter that its new gTLD policy is an instrument for private (mostly US based) appropriation of cultural names, idea and heritages from the world over... Lets not bother about such small things... Cultural rights and such things are old outdated concepts in this brave new world. As a colleague said offline, this proposal could have been written by ICANN.... I disagree only to the extent that in the present circumstances even ICANN cant write this stuff - only some 'more royal than the king' civil society can.... After all the overt promises that were made to the Brazil President, obviously ICANN needs to offer something more clear and concrete, lets see... I am almost shocked that such a submission can be proposed to go in the name of global civil society groups.... What must one think of developing countries really, to propose this.... BestBits office holders, is there a minimum threshold below which the BB platform is not offered for collecting endorsements? Parminder > > These will be formally submitted to NETmundial on 8 March 2014, but > between now and then we are gathering as many endorsements for each of > the statements as we can. So please I would encourage everyone to > read the statements, to endorse each of them separately (if you agree > with them, of course), and then to spread the word through social > media, email or word of mouth. > > Thanks again to everyone involved, and we really hope to see your > endorsement on each of the submissions soon. > > -- > Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com > Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek > host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk -F! > '{print $3}' > > WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly > recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see > http://jere.my/l/pgp. > > > > _______________________________________________ > discuss mailing list > discuss at 1net.org > http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From parminder at itforchange.net Wed Mar 5 07:45:11 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 18:15:11 +0530 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> Message-ID: <53171C57.4060509@itforchange.net> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:51 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: > On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:49 pm, parminder > wrote: > >> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in /*decision >> making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and non gov actors.... >> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got >> taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important >> point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - rest >> is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and not >> skirt it... > > Different people who contributed to the submission, even if they all > endorse the final result, will probably give you different answers to > that question. I'm not sure that anyone is interested in what my > personal answer is because I'm just an individual, but I would say no > I do not accept as a general proposition that parity in decision > making is appropriate, which is why I personally objected to that > language being used. > > For some issues, it will be appropriate that the stakeholders act as > equals in the decision making process (to the extent that there is a > "decision" at all). In other areas, it won't be appropriate and may > be more appropriate that although all stakeholders are involved, one > of them will legitimately take a bigger role than the others. For > example governments may take a leading role in transnational human > rights disputes, the technical community may do so in developing spam > filtering standards, civil society may do so in developing human > rights based principles for judging government surveillance practices, > and even the private sector may do so, say in setting prices for the > trading of IPv4 addresses. I am ready to sign off on this language, by adding some things like, social justice claims also in govs basket (very often, and easily, forgotten). Can I propose it for adoption by BB and IGC..... Now, if there are others who dont agree to the above - and of course there are such people whereby Jeremy had to defer - would they please explain their position. For the sake of transparency and accountability, and of course, if democracy means anything, for promoting deliberative democracy. And again, I never spoke of the whole range of issues and elements that governance consists of, and your response is therefore a bit off track.. I asked my question specifically in terms of - /*taking decisions in terms of public policies*/... Please answer that part specifically. Now lets not begin on, one does not understand what is meant by 'public policies'... The whole discipline of political science is based on it, all constitutions of the world are relatively clear about this term. > > This also implies that the appropriate mechanism of governance may > differ in each case, eg. laws, standards, markets. The above all > follows naturally if you accept that there are no fixed stakeholder > roles, because the appropriate roles will differ depending on the > circumstances. All the examples you mention can be captured in some concepts and theory for appropriate democratic governance... Non-fixity is the post modern contraption that the powerful have used very well in the global IG space.... We can claim non fixity for anything and then not allow any norms to be built... Is transparency, to take just one example, a fixed norm - I can show you a thousand counter-instances where it cannot be made to apply... That way nothing is fixed.... So, then why write any principle at all. Making principles is about fixing things somewhat, as higher norms which practice uses as guidelines... Tell me one principle which has fixed meaning and application... Is equality among all people a fixed thing, is 'liberty' ......... parminder > >> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its submission >> to NetMundial >> >> ... >> >> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... > > Nope, don't agree with the German government's formulation because it > maintains the fallacy of fixed stakeholder roles. > > -- > Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com > Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek > host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk -F! > '{print $3}' > > WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly > recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see > http://jere.my/l/pgp. > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From avri at acm.org Wed Mar 5 11:46:33 2014 From: avri at acm.org (Avri Doria) Date: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 16:46:33 +0000 Subject: [] [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <531754E9.2080209@acm.org> On 05-Mar-14 12:28, David Allen wrote: > Do you support democracy, as for instance laid out in the German > statement - where governments are the legitimate makers and implementors > of policy, with participation by the various members and groups in a > society? Within the borders of their country: yes Elsewhere, including the Internet: no, unless it is based on treaty language. That is the key difference that some keep ignoring: Sovereignty is restricted to within a sovereign nation's borders. It does not extend beyond those borders. When it does, it is called invasion. avri From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Tue Mar 4 13:31:45 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina Rossini) Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2014 10:31:45 -0800 Subject: [bestbits] this is posted but not open for signatures?! Message-ID: http://bestbits.net/netmundial-principles/ -- *Carolina Rossini* *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* Open Technology Institute *New America Foundation* // http://carolinarossini.net/ + 1 6176979389 *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* skype: carolrossini @carolinarossini -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From laura at article19.org Wed Mar 5 12:26:18 2014 From: laura at article19.org (Laura Tresca) Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2014 17:26:18 +0000 Subject: RES: [bestbits] FYI RightsCon program- internet governance sessions In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <7C9F27BE10361942966E4835F365891A77DA2F68@A19MAIL.aricle19.org> Hi, Deborah Please, could you confirm the room for "São Paulo and Beyond: the Future of Global Internet Governance"? Thank you. ARTICLE 19 Oficina para Sudamerica/ South America Office Rua João Adolfo, 118 - 8ºandar Anhangabaú, São Paulo, Brasil tel. +55 11 30570042/0071 www.artigo19.org/ www.article19.org De: bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net [bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net] em nome de Deborah Brown [deborah at accessnow.org] Enviado: sexta-feira, 28 de fevereiro de 2014 0:02 Para: Assunto: [bestbits] FYI RightsCon program- internet governance sessions Dear all, RightsCon Silicon Valley starts on Monday, 3 March and I wanted to highlight a few sessions on internet governance for those of you who are planning to participate in person or remotely. The full program is available here. I will send out more details on remote participation soon. Internet Governance Basics : What's at stake in 2014? March 3 @ 3:30-4:45 PST/GMT -8 2014 is shaping up to be an important year in Internet Governance. Not only is the question of who runs the Internet becoming headline news, but the diplomatic calendar is full of occasions for governments to demand more control. Add to this mix next month’s Multistakeholder Meeting in Brazil, plus a number of high level panels seeking a new, middle path and you have a recipe for either a new paradigm for global cooperation - or a politically fragmented Internet. We'll hear from a range of people steeped in the internet governance debate and explain what's up for grabs, who is to be impacted, what are the current models being proposed - and most importantly why this matters to Silicon Valley. All speakers will do on intro on their key issues and trends, and engage the audience in a discussion as to why this is important.Communicating what’s good and bad about the present model exploring new transnational mechanisms for Internet Governance; looking at “Splinternets” on the horizon and its impact on business; Geopolitical pressures and responses Why 2014 is the year to get involved. Why you should and how you can do it? Speakers: Bertrand De La Chapelle (Internet Jurisdiction, France) Anja Kovacs (Internet Democracy Project, India) Nnenna Nwakanma - (Web Foundation, Cote d'Ivoire) Ronaldo Lemos - (Instituto de Tecnologia e Sociedade, Brazil) Chris Riley (Mozilla, USA) TBC Moderator: Chris Mondini (ICANN) "São Paulo and Beyond: the Future of Global Internet Governance" March 5 @ 12-1:15pm PST/GMT -8 This session will bring together a mix of experts involved in global internet governance policy spaces to help bring greater clarity around Global Multistakeholder Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance (Net Mundial) and where internet governance will go after it. This dynamic panel will aim to clarify misconceptions about the event, what’s at stake, and what internet governance might look like in the next 20 years. It will bring together academics, advocates, government, and the private sector for a dynamic conversation with the broader digital rights community. Joana Varon (FGV/CTS) Anja Kovacs (Internet Democracy Project) Johan Hallenborg (Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Ben Wagner (Annenberg School for Communication at University of Pennsylvania) Patrick Ryan (Google) Moderator: Deborah Brown (Access) São Paulo Civil Society Strategy session March 3 @ 9am-12pm PST/GMT -8 This is a civil society strategizing session* ahead of the Net Mundial meeting and other upcoming internet governance events on Some ideas for an agenda Finalizing contributions for the Net Mundial meeting Building consensus between various contributions Strategizing on ways to build support for CS position among other stakeholders Brainstorming on media strategy, guiding the narrative on how this event is covered Input on the agenda for the preparatory civil society meeting in São Paulo, and delivering a message to that meeting on behalf of those who won't be there Looking beyond São Paulo, more precisely 2015+ *Note: This is not part of the official programming, so please reach out to me directly if you would like to participate in this session in person or remotely. -- Deborah Brown Senior Policy Analyst Access | accessnow.org rightscon.org @deblebrown PGP 0x5EB4727D From nigel.hickson at icann.org Wed Mar 5 16:54:24 2014 From: nigel.hickson at icann.org (Nigel Hickson) Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2014 13:54:24 -0800 Subject: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> Message-ID: Parminder Good evening; when you say the "global community" in the UN; are you thinking beyond governments; it is just I recall that when in the UNGA I only recalled governmentsŠ.. Best Nigel From: parminder Reply-To: parminder Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2014 12:21 PM To: "bestbits at lists.bestbits.net" , "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" Subject: Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Hi Jeremy For quite some time now, my analysis/prediction about the efforts of ICANN plus (and whoever backs them) vis vis the NetMundial has been as follows; 1. the main aim was to stop Brazil from the path Its President's speech at the UN looked to be paving - that of engaging the global community in UN spaces for the needed global Internet governance mechanisms.... That aim has been achieved, at least for the time being... 2. To make an alluring offer to Brazil to get them off the track mentioned above, which was in terms of some vague promises about some real steps forward in terms of internationalisation of ICANN... However as NetMundial approaches, we hear less and less of anything concrete in this regard. Anyway, since the show was being arranged, it was found useful if some good text could be got into the NetMundial outcome docs on 'multistakeholder decision making' including, and specifically, on global public policy issues. This latter is the primary objective at this point. And the mentioned parties have been going about in a completely unabashed manner - helped considerably by some unexplained high degree of bashfulness of the involved civil society. We saw 1 Net being formed from nowhere (sorry, now we know, from an ICANN board decision), it taking over the meeting's co-ownership, various shenanigans around selection of its steering committee (which in any case is constantly bypassed, and never seems to converse with the respective constituencies), imposition of a person with highly questionable standing and reputation as civil society leader of the meeting (about which Ian again recommends further bashful for civil society) , and now a sudden survey which will formulate the 1Net aka 'global internet community' view on Internet principles for submission to the netMundial..... and so on.... Believe me, you havent seen nothing yet. Wait for the days close to the meeting.... And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's behalf has this all important principle, " Decisions made with respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at all points in the decision-making process." Well of course. Two hoots to democracy! Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... BUT... Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable multistakeholder participation" and whether it is different from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. Please address this point specifically. I hope those proposing this statement will explain this point. I think it is their responsibility to do so, instead of slipping in such concepts, what would in default be, somewhat surreptitiously, which many potential signees are apt to miss.. Thanks parminder On Wednesday 05 March 2014 01:30 AM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: > > Dear all, > > > > > With thanks to everyone for their hard work on the drafts, we are now > simultaneously launching three submissions for the NETmundial meeting. These > submissions are the end results of extensive discussions on the Best Bits > lists going back to last year, with a final face-to-face review this week > (particularly on the roadmap for further evolution of the institutional > submission) by those of you who are present at RightsCon in San Francisco. > > > > > The three complementary submissions, all of which are open for endorsement > separately, are: > > > > > > 1. Internet governance principles, http://bestbits.net/netmundial-principles/ > 2. Roadmap for the Further Evolution of the Internet Governance Ecosystem ­ > institutional mechanisms, http://bestbits.net/netmundial-roadmap/ > 3. Roadmap for the Further Evolution of the Internet Governance Ecosystem ­ > ICANN, http://bestbits.net/netmundial-icann/ > > > > > > These will be formally submitted to NETmundial on 8 March 2014, but between > now and then we are gathering as many endorsements for each of the statements > as we can. So please I would encourage everyone to read the statements, to > endorse each of them separately (if you agree with them, of course), and then > to spread the word through social media, email or word of mouth. > > > > > Thanks again to everyone involved, and we really hope to see your endorsement > on each of the submissions soon. > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com > > Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek > > host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk -F! > '{print $3}' > > > > WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to > enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. > > > > > > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: smime.p7s Type: application/pkcs7-signature Size: 5027 bytes Desc: not available URL: From gurstein at gmail.com Wed Mar 5 18:57:41 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2014 15:57:41 -0800 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> Message-ID: <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> I see, so in your world democracy (however flawed), is to be replaced by Multistakeholderism where there is no (evident) transparency (T) or accountability (A) for the inputs into the stakeholder processes, no (evident) T or A for the outputs of the stakeholder processes and the stakeholders themselves are subject to no effective T or A since they are some sort of (interglalactic?) shapeshifters errr. those with "role flexibilities". Have I missed something here? This may work for a Wizard of Oz space like 1Net where even as the curtain gets repeatedly bunched up revealing the ("non-existent"-we have it on the highest possible authority-trust us) wizard pulling the strings and T & A appears to consist of repeated choruses of "trust them it will get better" by a fawning self-selected "Steering Committee", but surely in our world we might expect something with a slightly higher reality component. M From: governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org [mailto:governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org] On Behalf Of Jeremy Malcolm Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 4:21 AM To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; parminder Cc: <,bestbits at lists.bestbits.net>, Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:49 pm, parminder wrote: So, request a clear response - do you mean parity in decision making about public policies between gov and non gov actors.... And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and not skirt it... Different people who contributed to the submission, even if they all endorse the final result, will probably give you different answers to that question. I'm not sure that anyone is interested in what my personal answer is because I'm just an individual, but I would say no I do not accept as a general proposition that parity in decision making is appropriate, which is why I personally objected to that language being used. For some issues, it will be appropriate that the stakeholders act as equals in the decision making process (to the extent that there is a "decision" at all). In other areas, it won't be appropriate and may be more appropriate that although all stakeholders are involved, one of them will legitimately take a bigger role than the others. For example governments may take a leading role in transnational human rights disputes, the technical community may do so in developing spam filtering standards, civil society may do so in developing human rights based principles for judging government surveillance practices, and even the private sector may do so, say in setting prices for the trading of IPv4 addresses. This also implies that the appropriate mechanism of governance may differ in each case, eg. laws, standards, markets. The above all follows naturally if you accept that there are no fixed stakeholder roles, because the appropriate roles will differ depending on the circumstances. BTW, the German government has the following to say in its submission to NetMundial ... Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... Nope, don't agree with the German government's formulation because it maintains the fallacy of fixed stakeholder roles. -- Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Andrew at gp-digital.org Wed Mar 5 21:14:02 2014 From: Andrew at gp-digital.org (Andrew Puddephatt) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2014 02:14:02 +0000 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> Message-ID: Michael Those of us less clever than you are trying to figure out how to make governance of a global system more equitable and transparent and accountable. Clearly we failed. Can you explain to me how an international inter state process is democratic, assuming that is what you believe (and if not what is your democratic alternative to the submissions on BB?). How are my interests represented by inter state discussions, or those of Chinese or Russian citizens, or women in Saudi Arabia or Canadian academics? From: michael gurstein > Reply-To: michael gurstein > Date: Wednesday, 5 March 2014 23:57 To: "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" >, Jeremy Malcolm >, "parminder at itforchange.net" > Cc: "" > Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net I see, so in your world democracy (however flawed), is to be replaced by Multistakeholderism where there is no (evident) transparency (T) or accountability (A) for the inputs into the stakeholder processes, no (evident) T or A for the outputs of the stakeholder processes and the stakeholders themselves are subject to no effective T or A since they are some sort of (interglalactic?) shapeshifters errr… those with “role flexibilities”. Have I missed something here? This may work for a Wizard of Oz space like 1Net where even as the curtain gets repeatedly bunched up revealing the (“non-existent”—we have it on the highest possible authority—trust us) wizard pulling the strings and T & A appears to consist of repeated choruses of “trust them it will get better” by a fawning self-selected “Steering Committee”, but surely in our world we might expect something with a slightly higher reality component. M From: governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org [mailto:governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org] On Behalf Of Jeremy Malcolm Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 4:21 AM To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; parminder Cc: <,bestbits at lists.bestbits.net>, Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:49 pm, parminder > wrote: So, request a clear response - do you mean parity in decision making about public policies between gov and non gov actors.... And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and not skirt it... Different people who contributed to the submission, even if they all endorse the final result, will probably give you different answers to that question. I'm not sure that anyone is interested in what my personal answer is because I'm just an individual, but I would say no I do not accept as a general proposition that parity in decision making is appropriate, which is why I personally objected to that language being used. For some issues, it will be appropriate that the stakeholders act as equals in the decision making process (to the extent that there is a "decision" at all). In other areas, it won't be appropriate and may be more appropriate that although all stakeholders are involved, one of them will legitimately take a bigger role than the others. For example governments may take a leading role in transnational human rights disputes, the technical community may do so in developing spam filtering standards, civil society may do so in developing human rights based principles for judging government surveillance practices, and even the private sector may do so, say in setting prices for the trading of IPv4 addresses. This also implies that the appropriate mechanism of governance may differ in each case, eg. laws, standards, markets. The above all follows naturally if you accept that there are no fixed stakeholder roles, because the appropriate roles will differ depending on the circumstances. BTW, the German government has the following to say in its submission to NetMundial ... Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... Nope, don't agree with the German government's formulation because it maintains the fallacy of fixed stakeholder roles. -- Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gurstein at gmail.com Wed Mar 5 21:57:46 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2014 18:57:46 -0800 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> Andrew (and Suresh. Those are quite legitimate points/questions and very much worthy of serious discussion and debate. However, evoking (over and over and over.) the undefined, undescribed, undetailed multistakeholderist mantra doesn't get us any closer. The continuous shapeshifting by the proponents of the MS meme whenever they are challenged to get real --well this isn't quite "MSism", it isn't true MSism, it will be better next time MSism, doesn't do anyone a service (except the "wizards" behind the curtains). From Andrew at gp-digital.org Wed Mar 5 22:07:42 2014 From: Andrew at gp-digital.org (Andrew Puddephatt) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2014 03:07:42 +0000 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> Message-ID: I’m sorry Mike – you are not answering the question. If you mean by multi-lateralism, negotiations about a global environment conducted by states I want to know - not why you think multi-stakeholderism is crap - which you have discussed with all of us at great and increasingly tedious length - but what js your democratic alternative that allows my interests – or any other citizens to be represented in global negotiations? Those you disagree with are looking for ways to ensure a broader range of voices – including states of course as the most powerful actors- in the governance debate. Put your option up for discussion and let’s see how democratic that is to the resident of downtown Tehran (or even Hackney where I live) From: michael gurstein > Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 02:57 To: andrew Puddephatt >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" >, Jeremy Malcolm >, "parminder at itforchange.net" > Cc: "" > Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Andrew (and Suresh… Those are quite legitimate points/questions and very much worthy of serious discussion and debate. However, evoking (over and over and over…) the undefined, undescribed, undetailed multistakeholderist mantra doesn’t get us any closer… The continuous shapeshifting by the proponents of the MS meme whenever they are challenged to get real --well this isn’t quite “MSism”, it isn’t true MSism, it will be better next time MSism, doesn’t do anyone a service (except the “wizards” behind the curtains). From gurstein at gmail.com Wed Mar 5 23:02:30 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2014 20:02:30 -0800 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> Ah. the "if I ruled the world" challenge. yes, flattering but ultimately inconsequential. I don't (thank god) rule the world. So my off the cuff solutions aren't worth all that much. I did a major project in sub-Saharan Africa last year with Mwaki among others addressing more or less this very question. and the answer was. it's complicated. It involved strengthening broad structures of governance, putting technology infrastructures into (the right) place(s), training, developing appropriate mechanisms for consultation/decision making. And yes the answer was multi-stakeholder . but. not multistakeholderist. multi-stakeholder within a context which could accommodate and contain and make multi-stakeholder consultation and participation meaningful and useful for all concerned including to strengthen democratic governance and particularly figuring out how to get governmental structures to adapt and respond. To some degree this would be done in parallel to existing democratic processes but interwoven with them to use the democracy to reinforce the consultations and the consultations to deepen and reinforce the democracy. Sorry if this is tedious and not glib enough for you but given world enough and time my guess is that this kind of thing could work as well in Ouagadougou as in downtown Tehran. not sure about Hackney/Georgetown but it seems to work well enough in Teeside and if we can get these things to work in Ouga and Tehran and Teeside - well "first we take Manhattan and then we take Berlin.. * (And BTW it's not me who is agitating to jettison 300 or so years of democracy in favour of some pig in a poke hatched in some US think tank and being foisted on the world by a self-interested cabal of the US State Department, Google, various other OECD private corps, and certain selected "civil society" organizations including your own it would appear** *Leonard Cohen.. http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/First-We-Take-Manhattan-lyrics-Leonar d-Cohen/926CCB64249F308848256AF00028CB85 **TOWARD A SINGLE GLOBAL DIGITAL ECONOMY http://www.aspeninstitute.org/sites/default/files/content/upload/Toward_a_Si ngle_Global_Digital_Economy_Aspen_IDEA_Project_0.pdf M From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 7:08 PM To: michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net I'm sorry Mike - you are not answering the question. If you mean by multi-lateralism, negotiations about a global environment conducted by states I want to know - not why you think multi-stakeholderism is crap - which you have discussed with all of us at great and increasingly tedious length - but what js your democratic alternative that allows my interests - or any other citizens to be represented in global negotiations? Those you disagree with are looking for ways to ensure a broader range of voices - including states of course as the most powerful actors- in the governance debate. Put your option up for discussion and let's see how democratic that is to the resident of downtown Tehran (or even Hackney where I live) From: michael gurstein Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 02:57 To: andrew Puddephatt , "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" , Jeremy Malcolm , "parminder at itforchange.net" Cc: " >" Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Andrew (and Suresh. Those are quite legitimate points/questions and very much worthy of serious discussion and debate. However, evoking (over and over and over.) the undefined, undescribed, undetailed multistakeholderist mantra doesn't get us any closer. The continuous shapeshifting by the proponents of the MS meme whenever they are challenged to get real --well this isn't quite "MSism", it isn't true MSism, it will be better next time MSism, doesn't do anyone a service (except the "wizards" behind the curtains). From Andrew at gp-digital.org Wed Mar 5 23:36:42 2014 From: Andrew at gp-digital.org (Andrew Puddephatt) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2014 04:36:42 +0000 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> Message-ID: Actually, far from being tedious, there are interesting and multi stakeholder ideas in your proposition which in a different place and in a different mood would be good to explore. Unfortunately your ideas don’t seem to be on the table in the WGEC or WSIS reviews and I doubt that the nine billionaires who run the Chinese Communist party, the Supreme Leader of Iran, Mr Putin or Mr Cameron my own prime minister would be too interested. So I’d rather not see them in control of the internet thank you very much – which was inter state governance would mean (as opposed to ushering in a new era of global democracy). As it happens I’ve spent thirty years trying to promote democracy and human rights so your gratuitous insults wash off me but I’m curious as to why you feel the need to insult anyone who disagrees with you? It is not an effective means of persuasion in my experience so I suggest we terminate this exchange from now. From: michael gurstein > Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 04:02 To: andrew Puddephatt >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" >, Jeremy Malcolm >, "parminder at itforchange.net" > Cc: "" > Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Ah… the “if I ruled the world” challenge… yes, flattering but ultimately inconsequential… I don’t (thank god) rule the world… So my off the cuff solutions aren’t worth all that much… I did a major project in sub-Saharan Africa last year with Mwaki among others addressing more or less this very question… and the answer was… it’s complicated… It involved strengthening broad structures of governance, putting technology infrastructures into (the right) place(s), training, developing appropriate mechanisms for consultation/decision making… And yes the answer was multi-stakeholder … but… not multistakeholderist… multi-stakeholder within a context which could accommodate and contain and make multi-stakeholder consultation and participation meaningful and useful for all concerned including to strengthen democratic governance and particularly figuring out how to get governmental structures to adapt and respond. To some degree this would be done in parallel to existing democratic processes but interwoven with them to use the democracy to reinforce the consultations and the consultations to deepen and reinforce the democracy. Sorry if this is tedious and not glib enough for you but given world enough and time my guess is that this kind of thing could work as well in Ouagadougou as in downtown Tehran… not sure about Hackney/Georgetown but it seems to work well enough in Teeside and if we can get these things to work in Ouga and Tehran and Teeside – well “first we take Manhattan and then we take Berlin.. * (And BTW it’s not me who is agitating to jettison 300 or so years of democracy in favour of some pig in a poke hatched in some US think tank and being foisted on the world by a self-interested cabal of the US State Department, Google, various other OECD private corps, and certain selected “civil society” organizations including your own it would appear** *Leonard Cohen.. http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/First-We-Take-Manhattan-lyrics-Leonard-Cohen/926CCB64249F308848256AF00028CB85 **TOWARD A SINGLE GLOBAL DIGITAL ECONOMY http://www.aspeninstitute.org/sites/default/files/content/upload/Toward_a_Single_Global_Digital_Economy_Aspen_IDEA_Project_0.pdf M From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 7:08 PM To: michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net I’m sorry Mike ��� you are not answering the question. If you mean by multi-lateralism, negotiations about a global environment conducted by states I want to know - not why you think multi-stakeholderism is crap - which you have discussed with all of us at great and increasingly tedious length - but what js your democratic alternative that allows my interests – or any other citizens to be represented in global negotiations? Those you disagree with are looking for ways to ensure a broader range of voices – including states of course as the most powerful actors- in the governance debate. Put your option up for discussion and let’s see how democratic that is to the resident of downtown Tehran (or even Hackney where I live) From: michael gurstein > Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 02:57 To: andrew Puddephatt >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" >, Jeremy Malcolm >, "parminder at itforchange.net" > Cc: ">" > Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Andrew (and Suresh… Those are quite legitimate points/questions and very much worthy of serious discussion and debate. However, evoking (over and over and over…) the undefined, undescribed, undetailed multistakeholderist mantra doesn’t get us any closer… The continuous shapeshifting by the proponents of the MS meme whenever they are challenged to get real --well this isn’t quite “MSism”, it isn’t true MSism, it will be better next time MSism, doesn’t do anyone a service (except the “wizards” behind the curtains). From my own experience, whenever MSism “gets real” it falls apart—either it doesn’t have any operational processes or related significant structures of accountability so it can’t handle even the most insignificant of challenges without some form of full on offensive/defensive onslaught or it simply ignores the issue and moves on. Nor can it handle even the most inconsequential of divergences/diversities of opinion—the drive towards convergence/consensus (and the associated processes of marginalization and exclusion) are terrifying to me if there were any real chance of scaling. In the last century we had a lot of experience (and several names) for political systems that couldn’t deal with challenge, divergence, conflict and insisted on a managed consensus and forced choices “or else… Democracy and multi-lateralism both have many many flaws but they have both taken us a considerable distance down roads that allow us to be where we are now and thinking about significant and desirable ways forward into much more complex decision environments. Moreover we now have (the possibility of using) new tools to support the extending of democratic capabilities, the broader inclusion of diversities, the extension of opportunities for effective participation to previously marginalized populations. I see absolutely no reason for civil society to be uncritically supporting MSism as is obviously currently the case. To my mind this goes against everything that CS has traditionally stood for—the broadening and deepening of accountability in support of the public good, the strengthening of democracy including through its extension to the poor and marginalized, the developing of public processes and methods to control the unaccountable use of private power in opposition to the public interest. MSism is in its essence a form of privatization of power—shifting of power from the hands of people (however flawed that might be) to the hands of those who for the most part are unaccountable and non-transparent in their actions, their internal operations and in their structures. I would love to see some demonstration that I am wrong or that I’ve missed something but another round of “trust them/us” is not going to cut it. Mike From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 6:14 PM To: michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Michael Those of us less clever than you are trying to figure out how to make governance of a global system more equitable and transparent and accountable. Clearly we failed. Can you explain to me how an international inter state process is democratic, assuming that is what you believe (and if not what is your democratic alternative to the submissions on BB?). How are my interests represented by inter state discussions, or those of Chinese or Russian citizens, or women in Saudi Arabia or Canadian academics? From: michael gurstein > Reply-To: michael gurstein > Date: Wednesday, 5 March 2014 23:57 To: "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" >, Jeremy Malcolm >, "parminder at itforchange.net" > Cc: ">" > Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net I see, so in your world democracy (however flawed), is to be replaced by Multistakeholderism where there is no (evident) transparency (T) or accountability (A) for the inputs into the stakeholder processes, no (evident) T or A for the outputs of the stakeholder processes and the stakeholders themselves are subject to no effective T or A since they are some sort of (interglalactic?) shapeshifters errr… those with “role flexibilities”. Have I missed something here? This may work for a Wizard of Oz space like 1Net where even as the curtain gets repeatedly bunched up revealing the (“non-existent”—we have it on the highest possible authority—trust us) wizard pulling the strings and T & A appears to consist of repeated choruses of “trust them it will get better” by a fawning self-selected “Steering Committee”, but surely in our world we might expect something with a slightly higher reality component. M From:governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org [mailto:governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org] On Behalf Of Jeremy Malcolm Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 4:21 AM To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; parminder Cc: <,bestbits at lists.bestbits.net>, Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:49 pm, parminder > wrote: So, request a clear response - do you mean parity in decision making about public policies between gov and non gov actors.... And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and not skirt it... Different people who contributed to the submission, even if they all endorse the final result, will probably give you different answers to that question. I'm not sure that anyone is interested in what my personal answer is because I'm just an individual, but I would say no I do not accept as a general proposition that parity in decision making is appropriate, which is why I personally objected to that language being used. For some issues, it will be appropriate that the stakeholders act as equals in the decision making process (to the extent that there is a "decision" at all). In other areas, it won't be appropriate and may be more appropriate that although all stakeholders are involved, one of them will legitimately take a bigger role than the others. For example governments may take a leading role in transnational human rights disputes, the technical community may do so in developing spam filtering standards, civil society may do so in developing human rights based principles for judging government surveillance practices, and even the private sector may do so, say in setting prices for the trading of IPv4 addresses. This also implies that the appropriate mechanism of governance may differ in each case, eg. laws, standards, markets. The above all follows naturally if you accept that there are no fixed stakeholder roles, because the appropriate roles will differ depending on the circumstances. BTW, the German government has the following to say in its submission to NetMundial ... Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... Nope, don't agree with the German government's formulation because it maintains the fallacy of fixed stakeholder roles. -- Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gurstein at gmail.com Thu Mar 6 00:03:30 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2014 21:03:30 -0800 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> Insults by the by (not really sure what you are seeing as an insult.. but anyway… I’ve taken the trouble here and elsewhere to lay out some, what I think are serious issues concerning MSism… I’m still waiting for you or anyone to make some significant counters to those arguments or even address them in some serious way (something with a bit more substance than red herrings about Chinese billionaires and Mr. Cameron… The US submission to the NETMundial refers to “MSism” 9 times in less than a page (it doesn’t mention democracy even once). You are evidently a strong supporter of MSism. Perhaps you could give me a response to my comments/criticisms or suggest how my arguments are incorrect or my experiences are inconclusive. Tks, M From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 8:37 PM To: michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Actually, far from being tedious, there are interesting and multi stakeholder ideas in your proposition which in a different place and in a different mood would be good to explore. Unfortunately your ideas don’t seem to be on the table in the WGEC or WSIS reviews and I doubt that the nine billionaires who run the Chinese Communist party, the Supreme Leader of Iran, Mr Putin or Mr Cameron my own prime minister would be too interested. So I’d rather not see them in control of the internet thank you very much – which was inter state governance would mean (as opposed to ushering in a new era of global democracy). As it happens I’ve spent thirty years trying to promote democracy and human rights so your gratuitous insults wash off me but I’m curious as to why you feel the need to insult anyone who disagrees with you? It is not an effective means of persuasion in my experience so I suggest we terminate this exchange from now. From: michael gurstein Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 04:02 To: andrew Puddephatt , "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" , Jeremy Malcolm , "parminder at itforchange.net" Cc: " >" Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Ah… the “if I ruled the world” challenge… yes, flattering but ultimately inconsequential… I don’t (thank god) rule the world… So my off the cuff solutions aren’t worth all that much… I did a major project in sub-Saharan Africa last year with Mwaki among others addressing more or less this very question… and the answer was… it’s complicated… It involved strengthening broad structures of governance, putting technology infrastructures into (the right) place(s), training, developing appropriate mechanisms for consultation/decision making… And yes the answer was multi-stakeholder … but… not multistakeholderist… multi-stakeholder within a context which could accommodate and contain and make multi-stakeholder consultation and participation meaningful and useful for all concerned including to strengthen democratic governance and particularly figuring out how to get governmental structures to adapt and respond. To some degree this would be done in parallel to existing democratic processes but interwoven with them to use the democracy to reinforce the consultations and the consultations to deepen and reinforce the democracy. Sorry if this is tedious and not glib enough for you but given world enough and time my guess is that this kind of thing could work as well in Ouagadougou as in downtown Tehran… not sure about Hackney/Georgetown but it seems to work well enough in Teeside and if we can get these things to work in Ouga and Tehran and Teeside – well “first we take Manhattan and then we take Berlin.. * (And BTW it’s not me who is agitating to jettison 300 or so years of democracy in favour of some pig in a poke hatched in some US think tank and being foisted on the world by a self-interested cabal of the US State Department, Google, various other OECD private corps, and certain selected “civil society” organizations including your own it would appear** *Leonard Cohen.. http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/First-We-Take-Manhattan-lyrics-Leonard-Cohen/926CCB64249F308848256AF00028CB85 **TOWARD A SINGLE GLOBAL DIGITAL ECONOMY http://www.aspeninstitute.org/sites/default/files/content/upload/Toward_a_Single_Global_Digital_Economy_Aspen_IDEA_Project_0.pdf M From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 7:08 PM To: michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net I’m sorry Mike ��� you are not answering the question. If you mean by multi-lateralism, negotiations about a global environment conducted by states I want to know - not why you think multi-stakeholderism is crap - which you have discussed with all of us at great and increasingly tedious length - but what js your democratic alternative that allows my interests – or any other citizens to be represented in global negotiations? Those you disagree with are looking for ways to ensure a broader range of voices – including states of course as the most powerful actors- in the governance debate. Put your option up for discussion and let’s see how democratic that is to the resident of downtown Tehran (or even Hackney where I live) From: michael gurstein Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 02:57 To: andrew Puddephatt , "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" , Jeremy Malcolm , "parminder at itforchange.net" Cc: " >" Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Andrew (and Suresh… Those are quite legitimate points/questions and very much worthy of serious discussion and debate. However, evoking (over and over and over…) the undefined, undescribed, undetailed multistakeholderist mantra doesn’t get us any closer… The continuous shapeshifting by the proponents of the MS meme whenever they are challenged to get real --well this isn’t quite “MSism”, it isn’t true MSism, it will be better next time MSism, doesn’t do anyone a service (except the “wizards” behind the curtains). From parminder at itforchange.net Thu Mar 6 00:30:06 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 11:00:06 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <531807DE.6040806@itforchange.net> On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:24 AM, Nigel Hickson wrote: > Parminder > > Good evening; when you say the "global community" in the UN; are you > thinking beyond governments; it is just I recall that when in the UNGA > I only recalled governments..... Good evening, Nigel. With global community, I mean the people of the world... (similar to the evocation also made in most of our national constitutions and also in the UN Charter - 'We, the people..' kind of stuff'. Which of course immediately brings us to the issue of practicality of processes to develop public policies, since no room can accommodate 8 billion people neither have any means been perfected to have 8 billion people communicate at the same time and be able to reach a mutual determination of public interest.. So, in fact we are dealing with the issue of the /next best option/, which the democratic thought took to be some kind of representation, so that a given practical number of people can do this work on behalf of the 8 billion.. while keeping some kind of close touch with the 8 billion and ensuring that it is them that they represent at all times, and so on... Whereby, the question is, what is the best way to have representativity, and what is the best way to keep a continuous touch or contact that I speak of above.. It was thought that democratic elections are best to develop representativity, but it was also thought that further democratic process outside and between elections remain necessary - to keep in touch, which generally go in the name of participatory democracy... Now, no election is fully ok - the Chinese is much less ok that US and Indian, and so on... And that is the struggle for democracy. Even in India or the US, many think that although there are largely free and fair elections, democracy is just not working, and the available political parties do not give real political options to the people..... and to correct this is also the process of reform of democracy... And so much is happening all over the world right now... But, I could not figure out, in this whole struggle, what is multistakeholderism, beyond what we know as participatory democracy, and why do business need to get political seats on par with (however imperfectly) elected representatives plus their interactions with people's groups or what is called as civil society... That is the point someone needs to explain.... Well, on the UNGA point, yes there are only govs inside the UNGA, but you were at the WGEC (CSTD working group on enhanced cooperation), where more than half the room was non gov, talking at the same footing as govs, and you know that a report of WGEC is given complete and undivided attention by the UNGA, most often simply rubber stamped by it. Right... That is participatory democracy working - though I really do not agree with representatives of Dinsneyland and AT&T and BT being among the very few precious non gov seats in such setting. That is completely not done in participatory democracy, but that is MSism. We needed to have representative of the diabled people, indigenous groups, feminists, health activists, and so on, none f them were there... This is MSism. parminder > > Best > > Nigel > > > > From: parminder > > Reply-To: parminder > > Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2014 12:21 PM > To: "bestbits at lists.bestbits.net " > >, > "governance at lists.igcaucus.org " > > > Subject: Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for > endorsement at bestbits.net > > > Hi Jeremy > > For quite some time now, my analysis/prediction about the efforts of > ICANN plus (and whoever backs them) vis vis the NetMundial has been as > follows; > > 1. the main aim was to stop Brazil from the path Its President's > speech at the UN looked to be paving - that of engaging the global > community in UN spaces for the needed global Internet governance > mechanisms.... That aim has been achieved, at least for the time being... > > 2. To make an alluring offer to Brazil to get them off the track > mentioned above, which was in terms of some vague promises about some > real steps forward in terms of internationalisation of ICANN... > However as NetMundial approaches, we hear less and less of anything > concrete in this regard. Anyway, since the show was being arranged, it > was found useful if some good text could be got into the NetMundial > outcome docs on/*'multistakeholder decision making' including, and > specifically, on global public policy issues*/. This latter is the > primary objective at this point. And the mentioned parties have been > going about in a completely unabashed manner - helped considerably by > some unexplained high degree of bashfulness of the involved civil > society. We saw 1 Net being formed from nowhere (sorry, now we know, > from an ICANN board decision), it taking over the meeting's > co-ownership, various shenanigans around selection of its steering > committee (which in any case is constantly bypassed, and never seems > to converse with the respective constituencies), imposition of a > person with highly questionable standing and reputation as civil > society leader of the meeting (about which Ian again recommends > further bashful for civil society) , and now a sudden survey which > will formulate the 1Net aka 'global internet community' view on > Internet principles for submission to the netMundial..... and so > on.... Believe me, you havent seen nothing yet. Wait for the days > close to the meeting.... > > And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's behalf has > this all important principle, "Decisions made with respect to Internet > governance should only be made by bodies that allow free and equitable > access to all stakeholders at all points in the decision-making > process." Well of course. Two hoots to democracy! > > Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed > submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. > > I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP > Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... BUT... > /* > *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable multistakeholder > participation"*/ and whether it is different from what is meant in the > above statement from 1Net's survey. If so, how.... More precisely, are > you seeking that all stakeholders, including business reps, have equal > part and role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. > Please address this point specifically. > > I hope those proposing this statement will explain this point. I think > it is their responsibility to do so, instead of slipping in such > concepts, what would in default be, somewhat surreptitiously, which > many potential signees are apt to miss.. > > Thanks > > parminder > > > > > > > On Wednesday 05 March 2014 01:30 AM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >> Dear all, >> >> With thanks to everyone for their hard work on the drafts, we are now >> simultaneously launching three submissions for the NETmundial >> meeting. These submissions are the end results of extensive >> discussions on the Best Bits lists going back to last year, with a >> final face-to-face review this week (particularly on the roadmap for >> further evolution of the institutional submission) by those of you >> who are present at RightsCon in San Francisco. >> >> The three complementary submissions, all of which are open for >> endorsement separately, are: >> >> 1. Internet governance principles, >> http://bestbits.net/netmundial-principles/ >> 2. Roadmap for the Further Evolution of the Internet Governance >> Ecosystem -- institutional mechanisms, >> http://bestbits.net/netmundial-roadmap/ >> 3. Roadmap for the Further Evolution of the Internet Governance >> Ecosystem -- ICANN, http://bestbits.net/netmundial-icann/ >> >> >> These will be formally submitted to NETmundial on 8 March 2014, but >> between now and then we are gathering as many endorsements for each >> of the statements as we can. So please I would encourage everyone to >> read the statements, to endorse each of them separately (if you agree >> with them, of course), and then to spread the word through social >> media, email or word of mouth. >> >> Thanks again to everyone involved, and we really hope to see your >> endorsement on each of the submissions soon. >> >> -- >> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com >> Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek >> host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk >> -F! '{print $3}' >> >> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see >> http://jere.my/l/pgp. >> > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From parminder at itforchange.net Thu Mar 6 00:33:56 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 11:03:56 +0530 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <531808C4.4010101@itforchange.net> On Thursday 06 March 2014 10:06 AM, Andrew Puddephatt wrote: > > Actually, far from being tedious, there are interesting and multi > stakeholder ideas in your proposition....... > Andrew, you just said to Michael in your previous email " ....which you have discussed with all of us at great and increasingly tedious length....." Just reminding bec it seems you had forgotten.... and then also there was this later talk of insults and so on.... parminder > which in a different place and in a different mood would be good to > explore. > > Unfortunately your ideas don’t seem to be on the table in the WGEC or > WSIS reviews and I doubt that the nine billionaires who run the > Chinese Communist party, the Supreme Leader of Iran, Mr Putin or Mr > Cameron my own prime minister would be too interested. So I’d rather > not see them in control of the internet thank you very much – which > was inter state governance would mean (as opposed to ushering in a > new era of global democracy). > > As it happens I’ve spent thirty years trying to promote democracy and > human rights so your gratuitous insults wash off me but I’m curious as > to why you feel the need to insult anyone who disagrees with you? It > is not an effective means of persuasion in my experience so I suggest > we terminate this exchange from now. > > > > From: michael gurstein > > Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 04:02 > To: andrew Puddephatt >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org > " >, Jeremy Malcolm > >, > "parminder at itforchange.net " > > > Cc: "" > > Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions > launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > > Ah… the “if I ruled the world” challenge… yes, flattering but > ultimately inconsequential… I don’t (thank god) rule the world… So my > off the cuff solutions aren’t worth all that much… > > I did a major project in sub-Saharan Africa last year with Mwaki among > others addressing more or less this very question… and the answer was… > it’s complicated… > > It involved strengthening broad structures of governance, putting > technology infrastructures into (the right) place(s), training, > developing appropriate mechanisms for consultation/decision making… > And yes the answer was multi-stakeholder … but… not > multistakeholderist… multi-stakeholder within a context which could > accommodate and contain and make multi-stakeholder consultation and > participation meaningful and useful for all concerned including to > strengthen democratic governance and particularly figuring out how to > get governmental structures to adapt and respond. To some degree this > would be done in parallel to existing democratic processes but > interwoven with them to use the democracy to reinforce the > consultations and the consultations to deepen and reinforce the democracy. > > Sorry if this is tedious and not glib enough for you but given world > enough and time my guess is that this kind of thing could work as well > in Ouagadougou as in downtown Tehran… not sure about > Hackney/Georgetown but it seems to work well enough in Teeside and if > we can get these things to work in Ouga and Tehran and Teeside – well > “first we take Manhattan and then we take Berlin.. * > > (And BTW it’s not me who is agitating to jettison 300 or so years of > democracy in favour of some pig in a poke hatched in some US think > tank and being foisted on the world by a self-interested cabal of the > US State Department, Google, various other OECD private corps, and > certain selected “civil society” organizations including your own it > would appear** > > *Leonard Cohen.. > http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/First-We-Take-Manhattan-lyrics-Leonard-Cohen/926CCB64249F308848256AF00028CB85 > > **TOWARD A SINGLE GLOBAL DIGITAL ECONOMY > http://www.aspeninstitute.org/sites/default/files/content/upload/Toward_a_Single_Global_Digital_Economy_Aspen_IDEA_Project_0.pdf > > M > > *From:*Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] > *Sent:* Wednesday, March 05, 2014 7:08 PM > *To:* michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org > ; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' > *Cc:* bestbits at lists.bestbits.net > *Subject:* Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial > submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > > I’m sorry Mike ��� you are not answering the question. If you mean by > multi-lateralism, negotiations about a global environment conducted by > states I want to know - not why you think multi-stakeholderism is crap > - which you have discussed with all of us at great and increasingly > tedious length - but what js your democratic alternative that allows > my interests – or any other citizens to be represented in global > negotiations? > > Those you disagree with are looking for ways to ensure a broader range > of voices – including states of course as the most powerful actors- in > the governance debate. > > Put your option up for discussion and let’s see how democratic that is > to the resident of downtown Tehran (or even Hackney where I live) > > *From: *michael gurstein > > *Date: *Thursday, 6 March 2014 02:57 > *To: *andrew Puddephatt >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org > " >, Jeremy Malcolm > >, > "parminder at itforchange.net " > > > *Cc: *">" > > > *Subject: *RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial > submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > > Andrew (and Suresh… > > Those are quite legitimate points/questions and very much worthy of > serious discussion and debate. > > However, evoking (over and over and over…) the undefined, undescribed, > undetailed multistakeholderist mantra doesn’t get us any closer… > > The continuous shapeshifting by the proponents of the MS meme whenever > they are challenged to get real --well this isn’t quite “MSism”, it > isn’t true MSism, it will be better next time MSism, doesn’t do anyone > a service (except the “wizards” behind the curtains). > > From my own experience, whenever MSism “gets real” it falls > apart—either it doesn’t have any operational processes or related > significant structures of accountability so it can’t handle even the > most insignificant of challenges without some form of full on > offensive/defensive onslaught or it simply ignores the issue and moves > on. Nor can it handle even the most inconsequential of > divergences/diversities of opinion—the drive towards > convergence/consensus (and the associated processes of marginalization > and exclusion) are terrifying to me if there were any real chance of > scaling. In the last century we had a lot of experience (and several > names) for political systems that couldn’t deal with challenge, > divergence, conflict and insisted on a managed consensus and forced > choices “or else… > > Democracy and multi-lateralism both have many many flaws but they have > both taken us a considerable distance down roads that allow us to be > where we are now and thinking about significant and desirable ways > forward into much more complex decision environments. Moreover we now > have (the possibility of using) new tools to support the extending of > democratic capabilities, the broader inclusion of diversities, the > extension of opportunities for effective participation to previously > marginalized populations. > > I see absolutely no reason for civil society to be uncritically > supporting MSism as is obviously currently the case. To my mind this > goes against everything that CS has traditionally stood for—the > broadening and deepening of accountability in support of the public > good, the strengthening of democracy including through its extension > to the poor and marginalized, the developing of public processes and > methods to control the unaccountable use of private power in > opposition to the public interest. > > MSism is in its essence a form of privatization of power—shifting of > power from the hands of people (however flawed that might be) to the > hands of those who for the most part are unaccountable and > non-transparent in their actions, their internal operations and in > their structures. > > I would love to see some demonstration that I am wrong or that I’ve > missed something but another round of “trust them/us” is not going to > cut it. > > Mike > > *From:*Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] > *Sent:* Wednesday, March 05, 2014 6:14 PM > *To:* michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org > ; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' > *Cc:* bestbits at lists.bestbits.net > *Subject:* Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial > submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > > Michael > > Those of us less clever than you are trying to figure out how to make > governance of a global system more equitable and transparent and > accountable. Clearly we failed. > > Can you explain to me how an international inter state process is > democratic, assuming that is what you believe (and if not what is your > democratic alternative to the submissions on BB?). How are my > interests represented by inter state discussions, or those of Chinese > or Russian citizens, or women in Saudi Arabia or Canadian academics? > > *From: *michael gurstein > > *Reply-To: *michael gurstein > > *Date: *Wednesday, 5 March 2014 23:57 > *To: *"governance at lists.igcaucus.org > " >, Jeremy Malcolm > >, > "parminder at itforchange.net " > > > *Cc: *">" > > > *Subject: *RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial > submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > > I see, so in your world democracy (however flawed), is to be replaced > by Multistakeholderism where there is no (evident) transparency (T) or > accountability (A) for the inputs into the stakeholder processes, no > (evident) T or A for the outputs of the stakeholder processes and the > stakeholders themselves are subject to no effective T or A since they > are some sort of (interglalactic?) shapeshifters errr… those with > “role flexibilities”. > > Have I missed something here? > > This may work for a Wizard of Oz space like 1Net where even as the > curtain gets repeatedly bunched up revealing the (“non-existent”—we > have it on the highest possible authority—trust us) wizard pulling the > strings and T & A appears to consist of repeated choruses of “trust > them it will get better” by a fawning self-selected “Steering > Committee”, but surely in our world we might expect something with a > slightly higher reality component. > > M > > *From:*governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org > > [mailto:governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org] *On Behalf Of *Jeremy > Malcolm > *Sent:* Wednesday, March 05, 2014 4:21 AM > *To:* governance at lists.igcaucus.org > ; parminder > *Cc:* <,bestbits at lists.bestbits.net> > , > *Subject:* Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial > submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > > On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:49 pm, parminder > wrote: > > > > > > So, request a clear response - do you mean */parity/* in */decision > making/* about */public policies /*between gov and non gov actors.... > And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got > taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important > point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - rest > is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and not > skirt it... > > Different people who contributed to the submission, even if they all > endorse the final result, will probably give you different answers to > that question. I'm not sure that anyone is interested in what my > personal answer is because I'm just an individual, but I would say no > I do not accept as a general proposition that parity in decision > making is appropriate, which is why I personally objected to that > language being used. > > For some issues, it will be appropriate that the stakeholders act as > equals in the decision making process (to the extent that there is a > "decision" at all). In other areas, it won't be appropriate and may > be more appropriate that although all stakeholders are involved, one > of them will legitimately take a bigger role than the others. For > example governments may take a leading role in transnational human > rights disputes, the technical community may do so in developing spam > filtering standards, civil society may do so in developing human > rights based principles for judging government surveillance practices, > and even the private sector may do so, say in setting prices for the > trading of IPv4 addresses. > > This also implies that the appropriate mechanism of governance may > differ in each case, eg. laws, standards, markets. The above all > follows naturally if you accept that there are no fixed stakeholder > roles, because the appropriate roles will differ depending on the > circumstances. > > > > > > BTW, the German government has the following to say in its submission > to NetMundial > > ... > > Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... > > Nope, don't agree with the German government's formulation because it > maintains the fallacy of fixed stakeholder roles. > > -- > > Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com > > Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek > > host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk -F! > '{print $3}' > > WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly > recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see > http://jere.my/l/pgp. > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gurstein at gmail.com Thu Mar 6 00:44:29 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2014 21:44:29 -0800 Subject: [bestbits] FW: [ciresearchers] Global Access to the Internet for All (GAIA) is an IRTF initiative In-Reply-To: References: <23694649.9155.1394067909542.JavaMail.prodapps@nskntweba04-app> Message-ID: <0b6701cf38ff$25016ca0$6f0445e0$@gmail.com> This was just sent to the Community Informatics elist by an old friend/colleague who has been working in the grassroots ICT trenches since there were such and probably before (currently mostly with US Amerindian folks in New Mexico. It rather sums up my response to Andrew (and I'm looking forward to Andrew's response to me. i.e. it is isn't simply about substituting one inadequate system of governance for another one which seems to have its own (and potentially worse sets of inadequacies and limitations) but rather of finding ways forward to deepen and enrich what we already have with what we now have come into possession of. M From: Richard Lowenberg [mailto:rl at 1st-mile.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 9:27 PM To: ciresearchers at vancouvercommunity.net; Don Cameron Cc: jlfullsack at orange.fr; gurstein at gmail.com Subject: Re: [ciresearchers] Global Access to the Internet for All (GAIA) is an IRTF initiative Don's good posting has provoked me to add a response that I think is appropriate to this list and its subscribers. I'll try to be brief. Language and our use and understanding of it is getting in the way of a fundamental concept. If we are talking about broadband, and the Internet, and technologies, than I'd generally agree with Don. However, I think that something greater is going on. Our tools are merely helping us to extend our sensory minds and bodies. If we even partially agree with the human/social evolutionary trajectory, that we are developing from agrarian, to industrial and manufacturing, to information and services based, to ecologically intelligent societies (or bust), than this is about more than just the tech. By whatever miraculous reason, humans are increasingly tuning in to the all-permeating and surrounding information ecosystem. The fundamental concept of the Internet is a beautiful evolutionary reality. For the first time in our developmentally complex history, we are growing the means for highly complex inter-personal, and local-global communications networking. We are early into it, and we've never done it before, so we're making many mistakes. We are also growing this technology-facilitated system, with our technical sensory aids, in a time of many other emergent eco-social mistakes, old contrivances, dangerous conflicts and plenty of corruption. We are on a path, a treacherous one, but also a potentially inspiring one. Just as 'freedom of speech' has become a human right, our ability to be intelligent, open-minded, lifelong-learning, creative and healthily networked people and societies, should be a fundamental human right. The tools (the Internet, fiber-optic and wireless spectrum infrastructure, and the energy and resources saving systems) are our way of 'tuning in'. Amid the treachery and the daunting challenges we face, the potential of a more appropriately and intelligently grown networked society, is a shining light. That's why we are all on this list and doing what we are doing. Participation in an 'open information and communications environment' ought to be a fundamental human right. We are far from it, and may not get there. Our right to be humane is a much greater eco-social challenge than simply the right to have open networks, and addressing who owns and who rents access to the tools. We have our work cut out for us. Richard -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Andrew at gp-digital.org Thu Mar 6 00:46:26 2014 From: Andrew at gp-digital.org (Andrew Puddephatt) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2014 05:46:26 +0000 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> Message-ID: "not really sure what you are seeing as an insult” Try assuming that people you disagree with have the same desire for democracy and accountability as you but have a different understanding of how to reach it Just try that mental exercise, re read your e-mails to the list From: michael gurstein > Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 05:03 To: andrew Puddephatt >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" >, Jeremy Malcolm >, "parminder at itforchange.net" > Cc: "" > Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Insults by the by (not really sure what you are seeing as an insult.. but anyway… I’ve taken the trouble here and elsewhere to lay out some, what I think are serious issues concerning MSism… I’m still waiting for you or anyone to make some significant counters to those arguments or even address them in some serious way (something with a bit more substance than red herrings about Chinese billionaires and Mr. Cameron… The US submission to the NETMundial refers to “MSism” 9 times in less than a page (it doesn’t mention democracy even once). You are evidently a strong supporter of MSism. Perhaps you could give me a response to my comments/criticisms or suggest how my arguments are incorrect or my experiences are inconclusive. Tks, M From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 8:37 PM To: michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Actually, far from being tedious, there are interesting and multi stakeholder ideas in your proposition which in a different place and in a different mood would be good to explore. Unfortunately your ideas don’t seem to be on the table in the WGEC or WSIS reviews and I doubt that the nine billionaires who run the Chinese Communist party, the Supreme Leader of Iran, Mr Putin or Mr Cameron my own prime minister would be too interested. So I’d rather not see them in control of the internet thank you very much – which was inter state governance would mean (as opposed to ushering in a new era of global democracy). As it happens I’ve spent thirty years trying to promote democracy and human rights so your gratuitous insults wash off me but I’m curious as to why you feel the need to insult anyone who disagrees with you? It is not an effective means of persuasion in my experience so I suggest we terminate this exchange from now. From: michael gurstein > Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 04:02 To: andrew Puddephatt >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" >, Jeremy Malcolm >, "parminder at itforchange.net" > Cc: ">" > Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Ah… the “if I ruled the world” challenge… yes, flattering but ultimately inconsequential… I don’t (thank god) rule the world… So my off the cuff solutions aren’t worth all that much… I did a major project in sub-Saharan Africa last year with Mwaki among others addressing more or less this very question… and the answer was… it’s complicated… It involved strengthening broad structures of governance, putting technology infrastructures into (the right) place(s), training, developing appropriate mechanisms for consultation/decision making… And yes the answer was multi-stakeholder … but… not multistakeholderist… multi-stakeholder within a context which could accommodate and contain and make multi-stakeholder consultation and participation meaningful and useful for all concerned including to strengthen democratic governance and particularly figuring out how to get governmental structures to adapt and respond. To some degree this would be done in parallel to existing democratic processes but interwoven with them to use the democracy to reinforce the consultations and the consultations to deepen and reinforce the democracy. Sorry if this is tedious and not glib enough for you but given world enough and time my guess is that this kind of thing could work as well in Ouagadougou as in downtown Tehran… not sure about Hackney/Georgetown but it seems to work well enough in Teeside and if we can get these things to work in Ouga and Tehran and Teeside – well “first we take Manhattan and then we take Berlin.. * (And BTW it’s not me who is agitating to jettison 300 or so years of democracy in favour of some pig in a poke hatched in some US think tank and being foisted on the world by a self-interested cabal of the US State Department, Google, various other OECD private corps, and certain selected “civil society” organizations including your own it would appear** *Leonard Cohen.. http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/First-We-Take-Manhattan-lyrics-Leonard-Cohen/926CCB64249F308848256AF00028CB85 **TOWARD A SINGLE GLOBAL DIGITAL ECONOMY http://www.aspeninstitute.org/sites/default/files/content/upload/Toward_a_Single_Global_Digital_Economy_Aspen_IDEA_Project_0.pdf M From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 7:08 PM To: michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net I’m sorry Mike ��� you are not answering the question. If you mean by multi-lateralism, negotiations about a global environment conducted by states I want to know - not why you think multi-stakeholderism is crap - which you have discussed with all of us at great and increasingly tedious length - but what js your democratic alternative that allows my interests – or any other citizens to be represented in global negotiations? Those you disagree with are looking for ways to ensure a broader range of voices – including states of course as the most powerful actors- in the governance debate. Put your option up for discussion and let’s see how democratic that is to the resident of downtown Tehran (or even Hackney where I live) From: michael gurstein > Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 02:57 To: andrew Puddephatt >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" >, Jeremy Malcolm >, "parminder at itforchange.net" > Cc: ">" > Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Andrew (and Suresh… Those are quite legitimate points/questions and very much worthy of serious discussion and debate. However, evoking (over and over and over…) the undefined, undescribed, undetailed multistakeholderist mantra doesn’t get us any closer… The continuous shapeshifting by the proponents of the MS meme whenever they are challenged to get real --well this isn’t quite “MSism”, it isn’t true MSism, it will be better next time MSism, doesn’t do anyone a service (except the “wizards” behind the curtains). From my own experience, whenever MSism “gets real” it falls apart—either it doesn’t have any operational processes or related significant structures of accountability so it can’t handle even the most insignificant of challenges without some form of full on offensive/defensive onslaught or it simply ignores the issue and moves on. Nor can it handle even the most inconsequential of divergences/diversities of opinion—the drive towards convergence/consensus (and the associated processes of marginalization and exclusion) are terrifying to me if there were any real chance of scaling. In the last century we had a lot of experience (and several names) for political systems that couldn’t deal with challenge, divergence, conflict and insisted on a managed consensus and forced choices “or else… Democracy and multi-lateralism both have many many flaws but they have both taken us a considerable distance down roads that allow us to be where we are now and thinking about significant and desirable ways forward into much more complex decision environments. Moreover we now have (the possibility of using) new tools to support the extending of democratic capabilities, the broader inclusion of diversities, the extension of opportunities for effective participation to previously marginalized populations. I see absolutely no reason for civil society to be uncritically supporting MSism as is obviously currently the case. To my mind this goes against everything that CS has traditionally stood for—the broadening and deepening of accountability in support of the public good, the strengthening of democracy including through its extension to the poor and marginalized, the developing of public processes and methods to control the unaccountable use of private power in opposition to the public interest. MSism is in its essence a form of privatization of power—shifting of power from the hands of people (however flawed that might be) to the hands of those who for the most part are unaccountable and non-transparent in their actions, their internal operations and in their structures. I would love to see some demonstration that I am wrong or that I’ve missed something but another round of “trust them/us” is not going to cut it. Mike From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 6:14 PM To: michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Michael Those of us less clever than you are trying to figure out how to make governance of a global system more equitable and transparent and accountable. Clearly we failed. Can you explain to me how an international inter state process is democratic, assuming that is what you believe (and if not what is your democratic alternative to the submissions on BB?). How are my interests represented by inter state discussions, or those of Chinese or Russian citizens, or women in Saudi Arabia or Canadian academics? From: michael gurstein > Reply-To: michael gurstein > Date: Wednesday, 5 March 2014 23:57 To: "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" >, Jeremy Malcolm >, "parminder at itforchange.net" > Cc: ">" > Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net I see, so in your world democracy (however flawed), is to be replaced by Multistakeholderism where there is no (evident) transparency (T) or accountability (A) for the inputs into the stakeholder processes, no (evident) T or A for the outputs of the stakeholder processes and the stakeholders themselves are subject to no effective T or A since they are some sort of (interglalactic?) shapeshifters errr… those with “role flexibilities”. Have I missed something here? This may work for a Wizard of Oz space like 1Net where even as the curtain gets repeatedly bunched up revealing the (“non-existent”—we have it on the highest possible authority—trust us) wizard pulling the strings and T & A appears to consist of repeated choruses of “trust them it will get better” by a fawning self-selected “Steering Committee”, but surely in our world we might expect something with a slightly higher reality component. M From:governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org [mailto:governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org] On Behalf Of Jeremy Malcolm Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 4:21 AM To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; parminder Cc: <,bestbits at lists.bestbits.net>, Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:49 pm, parminder > wrote: So, request a clear response - do you mean parity in decision making about public policies between gov and non gov actors.... And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and not skirt it... Different people who contributed to the submission, even if they all endorse the final result, will probably give you different answers to that question. I'm not sure that anyone is interested in what my personal answer is because I'm just an individual, but I would say no I do not accept as a general proposition that parity in decision making is appropriate, which is why I personally objected to that language being used. For some issues, it will be appropriate that the stakeholders act as equals in the decision making process (to the extent that there is a "decision" at all). In other areas, it won't be appropriate and may be more appropriate that although all stakeholders are involved, one of them will legitimately take a bigger role than the others. For example governments may take a leading role in transnational human rights disputes, the technical community may do so in developing spam filtering standards, civil society may do so in developing human rights based principles for judging government surveillance practices, and even the private sector may do so, say in setting prices for the trading of IPv4 addresses. This also implies that the appropriate mechanism of governance may differ in each case, eg. laws, standards, markets. The above all follows naturally if you accept that there are no fixed stakeholder roles, because the appropriate roles will differ depending on the circumstances. BTW, the German government has the following to say in its submission to NetMundial ... Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... Nope, don't agree with the German government's formulation because it maintains the fallacy of fixed stakeholder roles. -- Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From parminder at itforchange.net Thu Mar 6 00:56:50 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 11:26:50 +0530 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> p On Thursday 06 March 2014 11:16 AM, Andrew Puddephatt wrote: > "not really sure what you are seeing as an insult” > > Try assuming that people you disagree with have the same desire > for democracy and accountability as you but have a > different understanding of how to reach it I have tried my best, in last many months/ years, but have been unable to understand how getting big business reps to have "equal footing" parity with government reps (however imperfectly elected govs they may come from) in terms of /*making actual decisions on public policy issues*/ is compatible with democracy. That is what I call anti- or post-democracy. And that is the precise issue/ question I posted yesterday with respect to the principles submission proposed by some civil society groups including yours, but got no response. However, if you think it is compatible with democracy do please explain. We will withdraw the the anti-democratic label.. > > Just try that mental exercise, re read your e-mails to the list Else, this kind of stuff is simply rhetoric - asking for mental exercises and all. parminder > > > From: michael gurstein > > Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 05:03 > To: andrew Puddephatt >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org > " >, Jeremy Malcolm > >, > "parminder at itforchange.net " > > > Cc: "" > > Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions > launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > > Insults by the by (not really sure what you are seeing as an insult.. > but anyway… > > I’ve taken the trouble here and elsewhere to lay out some, what I > think are serious issues concerning MSism… > > I’m still waiting for you or anyone to make some significant counters > to those arguments or even address them in some serious way (something > with a bit more substance than red herrings about Chinese billionaires > and Mr. Cameron… > > The US submission to the NETMundial refers to “MSism” *_9 times_* in > less than a page (it doesn’t mention democracy even once). > > You are evidently a strong supporter of MSism. Perhaps you could give > me a response to my comments/criticisms or suggest how my arguments > are incorrect or my experiences are inconclusive. > > Tks, > > M > > *From:*Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] > *Sent:* Wednesday, March 05, 2014 8:37 PM > *To:* michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org > ; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' > *Cc:* bestbits at lists.bestbits.net > *Subject:* Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial > submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > > Actually, far from being tedious, there are interesting and multi > stakeholder ideas in your proposition which in a different place and > in a different mood would be good to explore. > > Unfortunately your ideas don’t seem to be on the table in the WGEC or > WSIS reviews and I doubt that the nine billionaires who run the > Chinese Communist party, the Supreme Leader of Iran, Mr Putin or Mr > Cameron my own prime minister would be too interested. So I’d rather > not see them in control of the internet thank you very much – which > was inter state governance would mean (as opposed to ushering in a > new era of global democracy). > > As it happens I’ve spent thirty years trying to promote democracy and > human rights so your gratuitous insults wash off me but I’m curious as > to why you feel the need to insult anyone who disagrees with you? It > is not an effective means of persuasion in my experience so I suggest > we terminate this exchange from now. > > *From: *michael gurstein > > *Date: *Thursday, 6 March 2014 04:02 > *To: *andrew Puddephatt >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org > " >, Jeremy Malcolm > >, > "parminder at itforchange.net " > > > *Cc: *">" > > > *Subject: *RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial > submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > > Ah… the “if I ruled the world” challenge… yes, flattering but > ultimately inconsequential… I don’t (thank god) rule the world… So my > off the cuff solutions aren’t worth all that much… > > I did a major project in sub-Saharan Africa last year with Mwaki among > others addressing more or less this very question… and the answer was… > it’s complicated… > > It involved strengthening broad structures of governance, putting > technology infrastructures into (the right) place(s), training, > developing appropriate mechanisms for consultation/decision making… > And yes the answer was multi-stakeholder … but… not > multistakeholderist… multi-stakeholder within a context which could > accommodate and contain and make multi-stakeholder consultation and > participation meaningful and useful for all concerned including to > strengthen democratic governance and particularly figuring out how to > get governmental structures to adapt and respond. To some degree this > would be done in parallel to existing democratic processes but > interwoven with them to use the democracy to reinforce the > consultations and the consultations to deepen and reinforce the democracy. > > Sorry if this is tedious and not glib enough for you but given world > enough and time my guess is that this kind of thing could work as well > in Ouagadougou as in downtown Tehran… not sure about > Hackney/Georgetown but it seems to work well enough in Teeside and if > we can get these things to work in Ouga and Tehran and Teeside – well > “first we take Manhattan and then we take Berlin.. * > > (And BTW it’s not me who is agitating to jettison 300 or so years of > democracy in favour of some pig in a poke hatched in some US think > tank and being foisted on the world by a self-interested cabal of the > US State Department, Google, various other OECD private corps, and > certain selected “civil society” organizations including your own it > would appear** > > *Leonard Cohen.. > http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/First-We-Take-Manhattan-lyrics-Leonard-Cohen/926CCB64249F308848256AF00028CB85 > > **TOWARD A SINGLE GLOBAL DIGITAL ECONOMY > http://www.aspeninstitute.org/sites/default/files/content/upload/Toward_a_Single_Global_Digital_Economy_Aspen_IDEA_Project_0.pdf > > M > > *From:*Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] > *Sent:* Wednesday, March 05, 2014 7:08 PM > *To:* michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org > ; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' > *Cc:* bestbits at lists.bestbits.net > *Subject:* Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial > submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > > I’m sorry Mike ���you are not answering the question. If you mean by > multi-lateralism, negotiations about a global environment conducted by > states I want to know - not why you think multi-stakeholderism is crap > - which you have discussed with all of us at great and increasingly > tedious length - but what js your democratic alternative that allows > my interests – or any other citizens to be represented in global > negotiations? > > Those you disagree with are looking for ways to ensure a broader range > of voices – including states of course as the most powerful actors- in > the governance debate. > > Put your option up for discussion and let’s see how democratic that is > to the resident of downtown Tehran (or even Hackney where I live) > > *From: *michael gurstein > > *Date: *Thursday, 6 March 2014 02:57 > *To: *andrew Puddephatt >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org > " >, Jeremy Malcolm > >, > "parminder at itforchange.net " > > > *Cc: *">" > > > *Subject: *RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial > submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > > Andrew (and Suresh… > > Those are quite legitimate points/questions and very much worthy of > serious discussion and debate. > > However, evoking (over and over and over…) the undefined, undescribed, > undetailed multistakeholderist mantra doesn’t get us any closer… > > The continuous shapeshifting by the proponents of the MS meme whenever > they are challenged to get real --well this isn’t quite “MSism”, it > isn’t true MSism, it will be better next time MSism, doesn’t do anyone > a service (except the “wizards” behind the curtains). > > From my own experience, whenever MSism “gets real” it falls > apart—either it doesn’t have any operational processes or related > significant structures of accountability so it can’t handle even the > most insignificant of challenges without some form of full on > offensive/defensive onslaught or it simply ignores the issue and moves > on. Nor can it handle even the most inconsequential of > divergences/diversities of opinion—the drive towards > convergence/consensus (and the associated processes of marginalization > and exclusion) are terrifying to me if there were any real chance of > scaling. In the last century we had a lot of experience (and several > names) for political systems that couldn’t deal with challenge, > divergence, conflict and insisted on a managed consensus and forced > choices “or else… > > Democracy and multi-lateralism both have many many flaws but they have > both taken us a considerable distance down roads that allow us to be > where we are now and thinking about significant and desirable ways > forward into much more complex decision environments. Moreover we now > have (the possibility of using) new tools to support the extending of > democratic capabilities, the broader inclusion of diversities, the > extension of opportunities for effective participation to previously > marginalized populations. > > I see absolutely no reason for civil society to be uncritically > supporting MSism as is obviously currently the case. To my mind this > goes against everything that CS has traditionally stood for—the > broadening and deepening of accountability in support of the public > good, the strengthening of democracy including through its extension > to the poor and marginalized, the developing of public processes and > methods to control the unaccountable use of private power in > opposition to the public interest. > > MSism is in its essence a form of privatization of power—shifting of > power from the hands of people (however flawed that might be) to the > hands of those who for the most part are unaccountable and > non-transparent in their actions, their internal operations and in > their structures. > > I would love to see some demonstration that I am wrong or that I’ve > missed something but another round of “trust them/us” is not going to > cut it. > > Mike > > *From:*Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] > *Sent:* Wednesday, March 05, 2014 6:14 PM > *To:* michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org > ; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' > *Cc:* bestbits at lists.bestbits.net > *Subject:* Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial > submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > > Michael > > Those of us less clever than you are trying to figure out how to make > governance of a global system more equitable and transparent and > accountable. Clearly we failed. > > Can you explain to me how an international inter state process is > democratic, assuming that is what you believe (and if not what is your > democratic alternative to the submissions on BB?). How are my > interests represented by inter state discussions, or those of Chinese > or Russian citizens, or women in Saudi Arabia or Canadian academics? > > *From: *michael gurstein > > *Reply-To: *michael gurstein > > *Date: *Wednesday, 5 March 2014 23:57 > *To: *"governance at lists.igcaucus.org > " >, Jeremy Malcolm > >, > "parminder at itforchange.net " > > > *Cc: *">" > > > *Subject: *RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial > submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > > I see, so in your world democracy (however flawed), is to be replaced > by Multistakeholderism where there is no (evident) transparency (T) or > accountability (A) for the inputs into the stakeholder processes, no > (evident) T or A for the outputs of the stakeholder processes and the > stakeholders themselves are subject to no effective T or A since they > are some sort of (interglalactic?) shapeshifters errr… those with > “role flexibilities”. > > Have I missed something here? > > This may work for a Wizard of Oz space like 1Net where even as the > curtain gets repeatedly bunched up revealing the (“non-existent”—we > have it on the highest possible authority—trust us) wizard pulling the > strings and T & A appears to consist of repeated choruses of “trust > them it will get better” by a fawning self-selected “Steering > Committee”, but surely in our world we might expect something with a > slightly higher reality component. > > M > > *From:*governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org > > [mailto:governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org] *On Behalf Of *Jeremy > Malcolm > *Sent:* Wednesday, March 05, 2014 4:21 AM > *To:* governance at lists.igcaucus.org > ; parminder > *Cc:* <,bestbits at lists.bestbits.net> > , > *Subject:* Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial > submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > > On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:49 pm, parminder > wrote: > > > > > > So, request a clear response - do you mean */parity/* in */decision > making/* about */public policies /*between gov and non gov actors.... > And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got > taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important > point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - rest > is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and not > skirt it... > > Different people who contributed to the submission, even if they all > endorse the final result, will probably give you different answers to > that question. I'm not sure that anyone is interested in what my > personal answer is because I'm just an individual, but I would say no > I do not accept as a general proposition that parity in decision > making is appropriate, which is why I personally objected to that > language being used. > > For some issues, it will be appropriate that the stakeholders act as > equals in the decision making process (to the extent that there is a > "decision" at all). In other areas, it won't be appropriate and may > be more appropriate that although all stakeholders are involved, one > of them will legitimately take a bigger role than the others. For > example governments may take a leading role in transnational human > rights disputes, the technical community may do so in developing spam > filtering standards, civil society may do so in developing human > rights based principles for judging government surveillance practices, > and even the private sector may do so, say in setting prices for the > trading of IPv4 addresses. > > This also implies that the appropriate mechanism of governance may > differ in each case, eg. laws, standards, markets. The above all > follows naturally if you accept that there are no fixed stakeholder > roles, because the appropriate roles will differ depending on the > circumstances. > > > > > > BTW, the German government has the following to say in its submission > to NetMundial > > ... > > Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... > > Nope, don't agree with the German government's formulation because it > maintains the fallacy of fixed stakeholder roles. > > -- > > Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com > > Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek > > host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk -F! > '{print $3}' > > WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly > recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see > http://jere.my/l/pgp. > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gurstein at gmail.com Thu Mar 6 01:23:05 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2014 22:23:05 -0800 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <0bc701cf3904$89854a20$9c8fde60$@gmail.com> When I started out in this space I believed as you suggest… no particular reason not to… but as time went on and the objective positions that people were taking so clearly lined up in support of corporate interests and the interests of particular governments it got increasingly difficult to maintain that position since clearly those interests that they were supporting were not, to my mind consistent with “democracy and accountability” or with anything that I understood as being the on-going concerns of CS in the larger world… And then with the WCIT when there was this lemming like stampede to line up behind the US State Department and Google for the Internet Freedom crusade… no reflection on what the positioning behind that crusade might mean in a larger global context or even in a serious thinking about things like taxation, or security, or even real measures to protect diversity and freedom of expression online. As I said at the time CS is either naïve or bought given the positions they are articulating. Mr. Snowden has proven the correctness of my analysis at the time but I have yet to hear any reflections by any of the CS (or other) Internet Freedom “crusaders” on their ill-advised positioning. So I guess if stating the truth is insulting, so be it. M From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 9:46 PM To: michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net "not really sure what you are seeing as an insult” Try assuming that people you disagree with have the same desire for democracy and accountability as you but have a different understanding of how to reach it Just try that mental exercise, re read your e-mails to the list From: michael gurstein Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 05:03 To: andrew Puddephatt , "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" , Jeremy Malcolm , "parminder at itforchange.net" Cc: " >" Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Insults by the by (not really sure what you are seeing as an insult.. but anyway… I’ve taken the trouble here and elsewhere to lay out some, what I think are serious issues concerning MSism… I’m still waiting for you or anyone to make some significant counters to those arguments or even address them in some serious way (something with a bit more substance than red herrings about Chinese billionaires and Mr. Cameron… The US submission to the NETMundial refers to “MSism” 9 times in less than a page (it doesn’t mention democracy even once). You are evidently a strong supporter of MSism. Perhaps you could give me a response to my comments/criticisms or suggest how my arguments are incorrect or my experiences are inconclusive. Tks, M From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 8:37 PM To: michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Actually, far from being tedious, there are interesting and multi stakeholder ideas in your proposition which in a different place and in a different mood would be good to explore. Unfortunately your ideas don’t seem to be on the table in the WGEC or WSIS reviews and I doubt that the nine billionaires who run the Chinese Communist party, the Supreme Leader of Iran, Mr Putin or Mr Cameron my own prime minister would be too interested. So I’d rather not see them in control of the internet thank you very much – which was inter state governance would mean (as opposed to ushering in a new era of global democracy). As it happens I’ve spent thirty years trying to promote democracy and human rights so your gratuitous insults wash off me but I’m curious as to why you feel the need to insult anyone who disagrees with you? It is not an effective means of persuasion in my experience so I suggest we terminate this exchange from now. From: michael gurstein Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 04:02 To: andrew Puddephatt , "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" , Jeremy Malcolm , "parminder at itforchange.net" Cc: " >" Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Ah… the “if I ruled the world” challenge… yes, flattering but ultimately inconsequential… I don’t (thank god) rule the world… So my off the cuff solutions aren’t worth all that much… I did a major project in sub-Saharan Africa last year with Mwaki among others addressing more or less this very question… and the answer was… it’s complicated… It involved strengthening broad structures of governance, putting technology infrastructures into (the right) place(s), training, developing appropriate mechanisms for consultation/decision making… And yes the answer was multi-stakeholder … but… not multistakeholderist… multi-stakeholder within a context which could accommodate and contain and make multi-stakeholder consultation and participation meaningful and useful for all concerned including to strengthen democratic governance and particularly figuring out how to get governmental structures to adapt and respond. To some degree this would be done in parallel to existing democratic processes but interwoven with them to use the democracy to reinforce the consultations and the consultations to deepen and reinforce the democracy. Sorry if this is tedious and not glib enough for you but given world enough and time my guess is that this kind of thing could work as well in Ouagadougou as in downtown Tehran… not sure about Hackney/Georgetown but it seems to work well enough in Teeside and if we can get these things to work in Ouga and Tehran and Teeside – well “first we take Manhattan and then we take Berlin.. * (And BTW it’s not me who is agitating to jettison 300 or so years of democracy in favour of some pig in a poke hatched in some US think tank and being foisted on the world by a self-interested cabal of the US State Department, Google, various other OECD private corps, and certain selected “civil society” organizations including your own it would appear** *Leonard Cohen.. http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/First-We-Take-Manhattan-lyrics-Leonard-Cohen/926CCB64249F308848256AF00028CB85 **TOWARD A SINGLE GLOBAL DIGITAL ECONOMY http://www.aspeninstitute.org/sites/default/files/content/upload/Toward_a_Single_Global_Digital_Economy_Aspen_IDEA_Project_0.pdf M From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 7:08 PM To: michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net I’m sorry Mike ��� you are not answering the question. If you mean by multi-lateralism, negotiations about a global environment conducted by states I want to know - not why you think multi-stakeholderism is crap - which you have discussed with all of us at great and increasingly tedious length - but what js your democratic alternative that allows my interests – or any other citizens to be represented in global negotiations? Those you disagree with are looking for ways to ensure a broader range of voices – including states of course as the most powerful actors- in the governance debate. Put your option up for discussion and let’s see how democratic that is to the resident of downtown Tehran (or even Hackney where I live) From: michael gurstein Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 02:57 To: andrew Puddephatt , "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" , Jeremy Malcolm , "parminder at itforchange.net" Cc: " >" Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Andrew (and Suresh… Those are quite legitimate points/questions and very much worthy of serious discussion and debate. However, evoking (over and over and over…) the undefined, undescribed, undetailed multistakeholderist mantra doesn’t get us any closer… The continuous shapeshifting by the proponents of the MS meme whenever they are challenged to get real --well this isn’t quite “MSism”, it isn’t true MSism, it will be better next time MSism, doesn’t do anyone a service (except the “wizards” behind the curtains). From Andrew at gp-digital.org Thu Mar 6 01:36:06 2014 From: Andrew at gp-digital.org (Andrew Puddephatt) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2014 06:36:06 +0000 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> Message-ID: Assuming we’re genuinely trying to understand each other’s positions, my views on the short comings of the current system and proposals to move the debate forward are expressed in the submission to Netmundial At http://bestbits.net/netmundial-roadmap/ which was available for comment for a month or more on the BB list – (without anyone providing substantial comments except for Marilia). It sets out my take on the issue. I think that achieving a democratic approach to internet governance is enormously challenging and this is the best option of those practically available. Where I think we disagree is that I think you believe governments should in the end, make the final decisions about the internet as they are the sole source of legitimacy (please correct me if I misunderstand you). I think this would be catastrophic for the internet's ability to promote free speech and open communication. I look at the Human Rights Council – occasionally chaired by some of the most hostile governments to human rights and see that it has often been catastrophic to human rights . Nor do I see your distinction between government and business – don’t you think that the CCP central committee are also the wealthiest businessmen in China? – that in most repressive societies (Iran, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Russia) business and government are utterly intertwined – do you want such governments/business interests to dominate internet policy? You must know from your time at WGEC that this what they want?. Who represents my interests as a user in such a world? How is anyone represented? And to be clear - I say this with respect for your position as I think you have valid concerns and we probably share the same goals – while clearly disagreeing on the means From: "parminder at itforchange.net" > Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 05:56 To: andrew Puddephatt >, michael gurstein >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" >, Jeremy Malcolm > Cc: "" > Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net p On Thursday 06 March 2014 11:16 AM, Andrew Puddephatt wrote: "not really sure what you are seeing as an insult” Try assuming that people you disagree with have the same desire for democracy and accountability as you but have a different understanding of how to reach it I have tried my best, in last many months/ years, but have been unable to understand how getting big business reps to have "equal footing" parity with government reps (however imperfectly elected govs they may come from) in terms of making actual decisions on public policy issues is compatible with democracy. That is what I call anti- or post-democracy. And that is the precise issue/ question I posted yesterday with respect to the principles submission proposed by some civil society groups including yours, but got no response. However, if you think it is compatible with democracy do please explain. We will withdraw the the anti-democratic label.. Just try that mental exercise, re read your e-mails to the list Else, this kind of stuff is simply rhetoric - asking for mental exercises and all. parminder From: michael gurstein > Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 05:03 To: andrew Puddephatt >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" >, Jeremy Malcolm >, "parminder at itforchange.net" > Cc: "" > Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Insults by the by (not really sure what you are seeing as an insult.. but anyway… I’ve taken the trouble here and elsewhere to lay out some, what I think are serious issues concerning MSism… I’m still waiting for you or anyone to make some significant counters to those arguments or even address them in some serious way (something with a bit more substance than red herrings about Chinese billionaires and Mr. Cameron… The US submission to the NETMundial refers to “MSism” 9 times in less than a page (it doesn’t mention democracy even once). You are evidently a strong supporter of MSism. Perhaps you could give me a response to my comments/criticisms or suggest how my arguments are incorrect or my experiences are inconclusive. Tks, M From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 8:37 PM To: michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Actually, far from being tedious, there are interesting and multi stakeholder ideas in your proposition which in a different place and in a different mood would be good to explore. Unfortunately your ideas don’t seem to be on the table in the WGEC or WSIS reviews and I doubt that the nine billionaires who run the Chinese Communist party, the Supreme Leader of Iran, Mr Putin or Mr Cameron my own prime minister would be too interested. So I’d rather not see them in control of the internet thank you very much – which was inter state governance would mean (as opposed to ushering in a new era of global democracy). As it happens I’ve spent thirty years trying to promote democracy and human rights so your gratuitous insults wash off me but I’m curious as to why you feel the need to insult anyone who disagrees with you? It is not an effective means of persuasion in my experience so I suggest we terminate this exchange from now. From: michael gurstein > Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 04:02 To: andrew Puddephatt >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" >, Jeremy Malcolm >, "parminder at itforchange.net" > Cc: ">" > Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Ah… the “if I ruled the world” challenge… yes, flattering but ultimately inconsequential… I don’t (thank god) rule the world… So my off the cuff solutions aren’t worth all that much… I did a major project in sub-Saharan Africa last year with Mwaki among others addressing more or less this very question… and the answer was… it’s complicated… It involved strengthening broad structures of governance, putting technology infrastructures into (the right) place(s), training, developing appropriate mechanisms for consultation/decision making… And yes the answer was multi-stakeholder … but… not multistakeholderist… multi-stakeholder within a context which could accommodate and contain and make multi-stakeholder consultation and participation meaningful and useful for all concerned including to strengthen democratic governance and particularly figuring out how to get governmental structures to adapt and respond. To some degree this would be done in parallel to existing democratic processes but interwoven with them to use the democracy to reinforce the consultations and the consultations to deepen and reinforce the democracy. Sorry if this is tedious and not glib enough for you but given world enough and time my guess is that this kind of thing could work as well in Ouagadougou as in downtown Tehran… not sure about Hackney/Georgetown but it seems to work well enough in Teeside and if we can get these things to work in Ouga and Tehran and Teeside – well “first we take Manhattan and then we take Berlin.. * (And BTW it’s not me who is agitating to jettison 300 or so years of democracy in favour of some pig in a poke hatched in some US think tank and being foisted on the world by a self-interested cabal of the US State Department, Google, various other OECD private corps, and certain selected “civil society” organizations including your own it would appear** *Leonard Cohen.. http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/First-We-Take-Manhattan-lyrics-Leonard-Cohen/926CCB64249F308848256AF00028CB85 **TOWARD A SINGLE GLOBAL DIGITAL ECONOMY http://www.aspeninstitute.org/sites/default/files/content/upload/Toward_a_Single_Global_Digital_Economy_Aspen_IDEA_Project_0.pdf M From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 7:08 PM To: michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net I’m sorry Mike ��� you are not answering the question. If you mean by multi-lateralism, negotiations about a global environment conducted by states I want to know - not why you think multi-stakeholderism is crap - which you have discussed with all of us at great and increasingly tedious length - but what js your democratic alternative that allows my interests – or any other citizens to be represented in global negotiations? Those you disagree with are looking for ways to ensure a broader range of voices – including states of course as the most powerful actors- in the governance debate. Put your option up for discussion and let’s see how democratic that is to the resident of downtown Tehran (or even Hackney where I live) From: michael gurstein > Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 02:57 To: andrew Puddephatt >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" >, Jeremy Malcolm >, "parminder at itforchange.net" > Cc: ">" > Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Andrew (and Suresh… Those are quite legitimate points/questions and very much worthy of serious discussion and debate. However, evoking (over and over and over…) the undefined, undescribed, undetailed multistakeholderist mantra doesn’t get us any closer… The continuous shapeshifting by the proponents of the MS meme whenever they are challenged to get real --well this isn’t quite “MSism”, it isn’t true MSism, it will be better next time MSism, doesn’t do anyone a service (except the “wizards” behind the curtains). From my own experience, whenever MSism “gets real” it falls apart—either it doesn’t have any operational processes or related significant structures of accountability so it can’t handle even the most insignificant of challenges without some form of full on offensive/defensive onslaught or it simply ignores the issue and moves on. Nor can it handle even the most inconsequential of divergences/diversities of opinion—the drive towards convergence/consensus (and the associated processes of marginalization and exclusion) are terrifying to me if there were any real chance of scaling. In the last century we had a lot of experience (and several names) for political systems that couldn’t deal with challenge, divergence, conflict and insisted on a managed consensus and forced choices “or else… Democracy and multi-lateralism both have many many flaws but they have both taken us a considerable distance down roads that allow us to be where we are now and thinking about significant and desirable ways forward into much more complex decision environments. Moreover we now have (the possibility of using) new tools to support the extending of democratic capabilities, the broader inclusion of diversities, the extension of opportunities for effective participation to previously marginalized populations. I see absolutely no reason for civil society to be uncritically supporting MSism as is obviously currently the case. To my mind this goes against everything that CS has traditionally stood for—the broadening and deepening of accountability in support of the public good, the strengthening of democracy including through its extension to the poor and marginalized, the developing of public processes and methods to control the unaccountable use of private power in opposition to the public interest. MSism is in its essence a form of privatization of power—shifting of power from the hands of people (however flawed that might be) to the hands of those who for the most part are unaccountable and non-transparent in their actions, their internal operations and in their structures. I would love to see some demonstration that I am wrong or that I’ve missed something but another round of “trust them/us” is not going to cut it. Mike From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 6:14 PM To: michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Michael Those of us less clever than you are trying to figure out how to make governance of a global system more equitable and transparent and accountable. Clearly we failed. Can you explain to me how an international inter state process is democratic, assuming that is what you believe (and if not what is your democratic alternative to the submissions on BB?). How are my interests represented by inter state discussions, or those of Chinese or Russian citizens, or women in Saudi Arabia or Canadian academics? From: michael gurstein > Reply-To: michael gurstein > Date: Wednesday, 5 March 2014 23:57 To: "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" >, Jeremy Malcolm >, "parminder at itforchange.net" > Cc: ">" > Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net I see, so in your world democracy (however flawed), is to be replaced by Multistakeholderism where there is no (evident) transparency (T) or accountability (A) for the inputs into the stakeholder processes, no (evident) T or A for the outputs of the stakeholder processes and the stakeholders themselves are subject to no effective T or A since they are some sort of (interglalactic?) shapeshifters errr… those with “role flexibilities”. Have I missed something here? This may work for a Wizard of Oz space like 1Net where even as the curtain gets repeatedly bunched up revealing the (“non-existent”—we have it on the highest possible authority—trust us) wizard pulling the strings and T & A appears to consist of repeated choruses of “trust them it will get better” by a fawning self-selected “Steering Committee”, but surely in our world we might expect something with a slightly higher reality component. M From:governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org [mailto:governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org] On Behalf Of Jeremy Malcolm Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 4:21 AM To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; parminder Cc: <,bestbits at lists.bestbits.net>, Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:49 pm, parminder > wrote: So, request a clear response - do you mean parity in decision making about public policies between gov and non gov actors.... And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and not skirt it... Different people who contributed to the submission, even if they all endorse the final result, will probably give you different answers to that question. I'm not sure that anyone is interested in what my personal answer is because I'm just an individual, but I would say no I do not accept as a general proposition that parity in decision making is appropriate, which is why I personally objected to that language being used. For some issues, it will be appropriate that the stakeholders act as equals in the decision making process (to the extent that there is a "decision" at all). In other areas, it won't be appropriate and may be more appropriate that although all stakeholders are involved, one of them will legitimately take a bigger role than the others. For example governments may take a leading role in transnational human rights disputes, the technical community may do so in developing spam filtering standards, civil society may do so in developing human rights based principles for judging government surveillance practices, and even the private sector may do so, say in setting prices for the trading of IPv4 addresses. This also implies that the appropriate mechanism of governance may differ in each case, eg. laws, standards, markets. The above all follows naturally if you accept that there are no fixed stakeholder roles, because the appropriate roles will differ depending on the circumstances. BTW, the German government has the following to say in its submission to NetMundial ... Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... Nope, don't agree with the German government's formulation because it maintains the fallacy of fixed stakeholder roles. -- Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gurstein at gmail.com Thu Mar 6 02:33:30 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2014 23:33:30 -0800 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <0bf801cf390e$5f7fcc50$1e7f64f0$@gmail.com> Thanks for the pointer… I did in fact comment on a much earlier version (as circulated as part of a larger email by, I believe Matthew, but this is a good place to begin a useful discussion I think. Reading your contribution I’m left with more questions than answers I’m afraid.. 1. What are the details for the formation/determination of “stakeholders”—do they pursue their interests/stakes or do they pursue the public good a. How are divergent interests/conflicts within stakeholder groups handled b. Is this transparent c. What are the accountability mechanisms here d. Who/how is “legitimacy” accorded/denied—by what authority e. Who gives legitimacy to the legitimizers 2. Decision making processes—i.e. how are divergent interests/conflicts between stakeholders handled a. who gets to deny consensus and how can we be at all certain that the result is in the public interest— b. can/should those with specific private interests be in a position to deny consensus/force consensus on their terms (Parminder’s point about the private sector being equal with governments in making decisions) c. Is there an artificial drive to a forced consensus d. Can private interests drive decisions and what is to prevent this e. Is there such a thing as “conflict of interest”—who is responsible for this—how is it policed, sanctions 3. How to ensure true diversity of opinion including among those who challenge the way in which the issues are framed—diversity of “identity” is relatively easy, normative diversity is rather more difficult to achieve and handle 4. How is the very real danger of capture guarded against 5. What would be the process of deepening participation/consultation These are things that occur to me off the top.. I could elaborate on any of these questions as might be useful. Mike From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 10:36 PM To: parminder; michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeremy Malcolm' Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Assuming we’re genuinely trying to understand each other’s positions, my views on the short comings of the current system and proposals to move the debate forward are expressed in the submission to Netmundial At http://bestbits.net/netmundial-roadmap/ which was available for comment for a month or more on the BB list – (without anyone providing substantial comments except for Marilia). It sets out my take on the issue. I think that achieving a democratic approach to internet governance is enormously challenging and this is the best option of those practically available. Where I think we disagree is that I think you believe governments should in the end, make the final decisions about the internet as they are the sole source of legitimacy (please correct me if I misunderstand you). I think this would be catastrophic for the internet's ability to promote free speech and open communication. I look at the Human Rights Council – occasionally chaired by some of the most hostile governments to human rights and see that it has often been catastrophic to human rights . Nor do I see your distinction between government and business – don’t you think that the CCP central committee are also the wealthiest businessmen in China? – that in most repressive societies (Iran, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Russia) business and government are utterly intertwined – do you want such governments/business interests to dominate internet policy? You must know from your time at WGEC that this what they want?. Who represents my interests as a user in such a world? How is anyone represented? And to be clear - I say this with respect for your position as I think you have valid concerns and we probably share the same goals – while clearly disagreeing on the means From: "parminder at itforchange.net" Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 05:56 To: andrew Puddephatt , michael gurstein , "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" , Jeremy Malcolm Cc: " >" Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net p On Thursday 06 March 2014 11:16 AM, Andrew Puddephatt wrote: "not really sure what you are seeing as an insult” Try assuming that people you disagree with have the same desire for democracy and accountability as you but have a different understanding of how to reach it I have tried my best, in last many months/ years, but have been unable to understand how getting big business reps to have "equal footing" parity with government reps (however imperfectly elected govs they may come from) in terms of making actual decisions on public policy issues is compatible with democracy. That is what I call anti- or post-democracy. And that is the precise issue/ question I posted yesterday with respect to the principles submission proposed by some civil society groups including yours, but got no response. However, if you think it is compatible with democracy do please explain. We will withdraw the the anti-democratic label.. Just try that mental exercise, re read your e-mails to the list Else, this kind of stuff is simply rhetoric - asking for mental exercises and all. parminder From: michael gurstein Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 05:03 To: andrew Puddephatt , "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" , Jeremy Malcolm , "parminder at itforchange.net" Cc: " " Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Insults by the by (not really sure what you are seeing as an insult.. but anyway… I’ve taken the trouble here and elsewhere to lay out some, what I think are serious issues concerning MSism… I’m still waiting for you or anyone to make some significant counters to those arguments or even address them in some serious way (something with a bit more substance than red herrings about Chinese billionaires and Mr. Cameron… The US submission to the NETMundial refers to “MSism” 9 times in less than a page (it doesn’t mention democracy even once). You are evidently a strong supporter of MSism. Perhaps you could give me a response to my comments/criticisms or suggest how my arguments are incorrect or my experiences are inconclusive. Tks, M From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 8:37 PM To: michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Actually, far from being tedious, there are interesting and multi stakeholder ideas in your proposition which in a different place and in a different mood would be good to explore. Unfortunately your ideas don’t seem to be on the table in the WGEC or WSIS reviews and I doubt that the nine billionaires who run the Chinese Communist party, the Supreme Leader of Iran, Mr Putin or Mr Cameron my own prime minister would be too interested. So I’d rather not see them in control of the internet thank you very much – which was inter state governance would mean (as opposed to ushering in a new era of global democracy). As it happens I’ve spent thirty years trying to promote democracy and human rights so your gratuitous insults wash off me but I’m curious as to why you feel the need to insult anyone who disagrees with you? It is not an effective means of persuasion in my experience so I suggest we terminate this exchange from now. From: michael gurstein Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 04:02 To: andrew Puddephatt , "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" , Jeremy Malcolm , "parminder at itforchange.net" Cc: " >" Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Ah… the “if I ruled the world” challenge… yes, flattering but ultimately inconsequential… I don’t (thank god) rule the world… So my off the cuff solutions aren’t worth all that much… I did a major project in sub-Saharan Africa last year with Mwaki among others addressing more or less this very question… and the answer was… it’s complicated… It involved strengthening broad structures of governance, putting technology infrastructures into (the right) place(s), training, developing appropriate mechanisms for consultation/decision making… And yes the answer was multi-stakeholder … but… not multistakeholderist… multi-stakeholder within a context which could accommodate and contain and make multi-stakeholder consultation and participation meaningful and useful for all concerned including to strengthen democratic governance and particularly figuring out how to get governmental structures to adapt and respond. To some degree this would be done in parallel to existing democratic processes but interwoven with them to use the democracy to reinforce the consultations and the consultations to deepen and reinforce the democracy. Sorry if this is tedious and not glib enough for you but given world enough and time my guess is that this kind of thing could work as well in Ouagadougou as in downtown Tehran… not sure about Hackney/Georgetown but it seems to work well enough in Teeside and if we can get these things to work in Ouga and Tehran and Teeside – well “first we take Manhattan and then we take Berlin.. * (And BTW it’s not me who is agitating to jettison 300 or so years of democracy in favour of some pig in a poke hatched in some US think tank and being foisted on the world by a self-interested cabal of the US State Department, Google, various other OECD private corps, and certain selected “civil society” organizations including your own it would appear** *Leonard Cohen.. http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/First-We-Take-Manhattan-lyrics-Leonard-Cohen/926CCB64249F308848256AF00028CB85 **TOWARD A SINGLE GLOBAL DIGITAL ECONOMY http://www.aspeninstitute.org/sites/default/files/content/upload/Toward_a_Single_Global_Digital_Economy_Aspen_IDEA_Project_0.pdf M From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2014 7:08 PM To: michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net I’m sorry Mike ��� you are not answering the question. If you mean by multi-lateralism, negotiations about a global environment conducted by states I want to know - not why you think multi-stakeholderism is crap - which you have discussed with all of us at great and increasingly tedious length - but what js your democratic alternative that allows my interests – or any other citizens to be represented in global negotiations? Those you disagree with are looking for ways to ensure a broader range of voices – including states of course as the most powerful actors- in the governance debate. Put your option up for discussion and let’s see how democratic that is to the resident of downtown Tehran (or even Hackney where I live) From: michael gurstein Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 02:57 To: andrew Puddephatt , "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" , Jeremy Malcolm , "parminder at itforchange.net" Cc: " >" Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Andrew (and Suresh… Those are quite legitimate points/questions and very much worthy of serious discussion and debate. However, evoking (over and over and over…) the undefined, undescribed, undetailed multistakeholderist mantra doesn’t get us any closer… The continuous shapeshifting by the proponents of the MS meme whenever they are challenged to get real --well this isn’t quite “MSism”, it isn’t true MSism, it will be better next time MSism, doesn’t do anyone a service (except the “wizards” behind the curtains). From anriette at apc.org Thu Mar 6 03:14:44 2014 From: anriette at apc.org (Anriette Esterhuysen) Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 10:14:44 +0200 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> Dear all Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and the use of 'multilateral'. The full text in Theme 6.1 is: "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and international organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international internet governance." When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its dictionary sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties and multiple countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic defines how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and international organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international internet governance." Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the term multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as meaning "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest that. But we certainly did mean that governments should be involved, and that no one government should dominate - but in the context of the involvement of other stakeholders too. Best Anriette On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: > > On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >> >> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >> > wrote: >>> >>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's behalf >>>> has this all important principle, "Decisions made with respect to >>>> Internet governance should only be made by bodies that allow free >>>> and equitable access to all stakeholders at all points in the >>>> decision-making process." Well of course. Two hoots to democracy! >>>> >>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>> >>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... BUT... >>>> /* >>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>> multistakeholder participation"*/ and whether it is different from >>>> what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. If so, >>>> how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all stakeholders, >>>> including business reps, have equal part and role (as gov reps) in >>>> making decisions about public policies. Please address this point >>>> specifically. >>> >>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of this >>> on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can read for >>> yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At various times >>> it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it became "equitable >>> participation", which is somewhat flexible, to accommodate the >>> different viewpoints that we all have about how equal the >>> stakeholder roles should be. >> >> >> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and non-democracy. >> >> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in /*decision >> making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and non gov actors.... > > > It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that this CS > contribution refers to speak of democracy but not multistakeholder > governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. > > In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to multilateral > democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet governanceshould be > multilateral and democratic. " > > Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this present > submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - does not come > from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the principle inspirations. > > Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also quoted > as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, CoE > principles, and G 8 principles.... > > In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and > emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term > either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much subsidiary > fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) > > Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil society > actors in IG space - come up with ..... > > There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in this > doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance > characteristics" you could think only of " openness, transparency, > inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable multistakeholder > participation */" (emphasis added) > > In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the word > 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur to someone > and was contributed but did not find favour in the group.... Dont know > which is worse. But both are bad enough for me to stay away from this > doc. > > And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not to get > caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the thin end of > the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave new post democratic > world, that one which the neo liberals dream of.... It is a pity that > a good part of civil society has agreed to be the Trojan Horse for the > powerful warriors of the neolib order. > > See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like equitable > multistakeholder participation (further explained in the emerging > contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the survey) are getting > introduced as basis of our governance. And see how exactly it matches > what some of us predicted is the prime objective at present of the US > supported status quoists to get into the text of the outcomes from > NetMundial...... All of piece. > > parminder > > >> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got >> taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important >> point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - rest >> is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and not >> skirt it... >> >> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its submission >> to NetMundial >> >> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of the >> people, possess public authority including internet-related public >> policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for legitimacy >> and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to respect and protect >> human rights, ensure that the rule of law is respected and that >> relevant national legislation complies with their obligations under >> international law. Moreover, they need to ensure that the appropriate >> basic conditions both in terms of cyber-security and technical >> provisions are in place. Civil society serves, and should continue to >> do so, as a facilitator and notably as a source of empowerment and >> credibility, especially at community level. The private sector and >> particularly the technical community significantly influence and >> encourage the development, distribution and accessibility of the >> internet, and should continue to do so. In order to fully live up to >> the potentials for economic growth, innovation, freedom of >> expression, access to information and ideas and democratic >> participation in a knowledge society, all stakeholders involved need >> to work together." >> >> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >> >> parminder >> >> >> >> >>> >>> -- >>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com >>> Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek >>> host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk >>> -F! '{print $3}' >>> >>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >>> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see >>> http://jere.my/l/pgp. >>> >> > -- ------------------------------------------------------ anriette esterhuysen anriette at apc.org executive director, association for progressive communications www.apc.org po box 29755, melville 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From parminder at itforchange.net Thu Mar 6 03:49:04 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 14:19:04 +0530 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> On Thursday 06 March 2014 12:06 PM, Andrew Puddephatt wrote: > Assuming we’re genuinely trying to understand each other’s positions, > my views on the short comings of the current system and proposals to > move the debate forward are expressed in the submission to Netmundial > At http://bestbits.net/netmundial-roadmap/ which was available for > comment for a month or more on the BB list – (without anyone providing > substantial comments except for Marilia). It sets out my take on the > issue. > > I think that achieving a democratic approach to internet governance is > enormously challenging and this is the best option of those > practically available. I will comment on this approach you take in the above proposed submission in my next email, first on the principle level issue of who makes public policy decisions... > > Where I think we disagree is that I think you believe governments > should in the end, make the final decisions about the internet as they > are the sole source of legitimacy (please correct me if I > misunderstand you). You do understand correctly. I believe that for global public policies the final public policy decision has to be taken by governments. This is so for policies in all area, whether climate change, health, trade, IP, or any other. That is an imperfect system, but that is the best we got... We should continually improve it, as various submissions from my organisation has sought, and well, IGF is a great reform measure, to help, but not do, policy making. However, your poser clearly shows that you believe that this should not be the case... In that case please let me know /*who should take the public policy decisions, and how*/? To be clear on this is important because there are an enormous number of public policy issues to be sorted out and default/ status quo simply benefits that economically and politically most powerful. This is a direct question. To note, your proposed roadmap proposes no model for public policy decision making, only for agenda developing and vetting..... Apparently, decisions are still to be made in an inter- governmental manner by existing global policy bodies. Right? Please do let me know if I am wrong...Again a direct question. So, unlike, what you claim about Michael's position, it is you who do not have a model for making global Internet related public policy decisions, rather than he. However, if I am wrong and you do have a model, lets see it, and we can comment on it. I hope it is not your case that there are not significant global Internet related public policy issues to be sorted out. But if that is the case, lets discuss that particular issue. It is good to be specific. (BTW, do see numerous developing country, including Brazil's, submission to WGEC on such outstanding Internet-related public policy issues) > I think this would be catastrophic for the internet's ability to > promote free speech and open communication. I look at the Human > Rights Council – occasionally chaired by some of the most hostile > governments to human rights and see that it has often been > catastrophic to human rights . When I look at my parliament, I consider it catastrophic in many manners, but still it does not take away my belief in parliamentary democracy. Just need to improve things by and by. BTW, human rights council did adopt the privacy resolution recently, which is quite good and also rather specific.... This is much more than IGF has achieved in 10 years -- just to take one instance, when the whole world is reeling under net neutrality erosions, this issue has successfully been prevented to be discussed as a main session policy issue at the IGF. Who prevented it. Make a guess. I can write a full story how it has been done (BTW try reading transcripts of feb 2012 MAG meeting in Paris). > > Nor do I see your distinction between government and business Well, that is a problem.. and represents a fundamental disbelief in politics and democracy, which I cannot do much about.. But still, coming from you I am a bit shocked to hear this.... > – don’t you think that the CCP central committee are also the > wealthiest businessmen in China? – that in most repressive societies > (Iran, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Russia) business and government are > utterly intertwined – do you want such governments/business interests > to dominate internet policy? Andrew, your statement of the problem is - the existing so called democratic governance systems are dominated by business interests. I agree, and we must do something about it. A lot of democracy movements worldwide, in which I participate, are doing something about it. What I cannot understand or agree with is your solution.... How does giving formal political power to those same big businesses - through multistakeholder decision making - solves or even begins to address that problem... Does it not simply exacerbates it -- with not even a possible eventual solution, because we would have normatively and structurally admitted dominance of big business.... Sorry, but I simply do not get this. > You must know from your time at WGEC that this what they want?. In my time at WGEC, I see big business reps, and compliant civil society, simply shout down any possibility of global addressing of key and pressing Internet related public policy issues -- which simply helps big monopolies and oligopolies keep stuffing their safes more and more at the expense of public interest. > Who represents my interests as a user in such a world? How is anyone > represented? Yes, those are key questions.... And my answer is - giving big business formal political power is going in exactly the opposite directions from improving people's representativity in policy processes. We should try to reduce the power of big business, bot sanctify and formalise it... parminder > > And to be clear - I say this with respect for your position as I think > you have valid concerns and we probably share the same goals – while > clearly disagreeing on the means > > > From: "parminder at itforchange.net " > > > Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 05:56 > To: andrew Puddephatt >, michael gurstein >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org > " >, Jeremy Malcolm > > > Cc: "" > > Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions > launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > > p > On Thursday 06 March 2014 11:16 AM, Andrew Puddephatt wrote: >> "not really sure what you are seeing as an insult” >> >> Try assuming that people you disagree with have the same desire >> for democracy and accountability as you but have a >> different understanding of how to reach it > > I have tried my best, in last many months/ years, but have been unable > to understand how getting big business reps to have "equal footing" > parity with government reps (however imperfectly elected govs they may > come from) in terms of /*making actual decisions on public policy > issues*/ is compatible with democracy. That is what I call anti- or > post-democracy. > > And that is the precise issue/ question I posted yesterday with > respect to the principles submission proposed by some civil society > groups including yours, but got no response. > > However, if you think it is compatible with democracy do please > explain. We will withdraw the the anti-democratic label.. > >> >> Just try that mental exercise, re read your e-mails to the list > > Else, this kind of stuff is simply rhetoric - asking for mental > exercises and all. > > parminder >> >> >> From: michael gurstein > >> Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 05:03 >> To: andrew Puddephatt > >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> " >> > >, Jeremy Malcolm >> >, >> "parminder at itforchange.net " >> > >> Cc: "" > > >> Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions >> launched for endorsement at bestbits.net >> >> Insults by the by (not really sure what you are seeing as an insult.. >> but anyway… >> >> I’ve taken the trouble here and elsewhere to lay out some, what I >> think are serious issues concerning MSism… >> >> I’m still waiting for you or anyone to make some significant counters >> to those arguments or even address them in some serious way >> (something with a bit more substance than red herrings about Chinese >> billionaires and Mr. Cameron… >> >> The US submission to the NETMundial refers to “MSism” *_9 times_* in >> less than a page (it doesn’t mention democracy even once). >> >> You are evidently a strong supporter of MSism. Perhaps you could >> give me a response to my comments/criticisms or suggest how my >> arguments are incorrect or my experiences are inconclusive. >> >> Tks, >> >> M >> >> *From:*Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] >> *Sent:* Wednesday, March 05, 2014 8:37 PM >> *To:* michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> ; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' >> *Cc:* bestbits at lists.bestbits.net >> *Subject:* Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial >> submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net >> >> Actually, far from being tedious, there are interesting and multi >> stakeholder ideas in your proposition which in a different place and >> in a different mood would be good to explore. >> >> Unfortunately your ideas don’t seem to be on the table in the WGEC or >> WSIS reviews and I doubt that the nine billionaires who run the >> Chinese Communist party, the Supreme Leader of Iran, Mr Putin or Mr >> Cameron my own prime minister would be too interested. So I’d rather >> not see them in control of the internet thank you very much – which >> was inter state governance would mean (as opposed to ushering in a >> new era of global democracy). >> >> As it happens I’ve spent thirty years trying to promote democracy and >> human rights so your gratuitous insults wash off me but I’m curious >> as to why you feel the need to insult anyone who disagrees with >> you? It is not an effective means of persuasion in my experience so >> I suggest we terminate this exchange from now. >> >> *From: *michael gurstein > >> *Date: *Thursday, 6 March 2014 04:02 >> *To: *andrew Puddephatt > >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> " >> > >, Jeremy Malcolm >> >, >> "parminder at itforchange.net " >> > >> *Cc: *">" >> > >> *Subject: *RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial >> submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net >> >> Ah… the “if I ruled the world” challenge… yes, flattering but >> ultimately inconsequential… I don’t (thank god) rule the world… So my >> off the cuff solutions aren’t worth all that much… >> >> I did a major project in sub-Saharan Africa last year with Mwaki >> among others addressing more or less this very question… and the >> answer was… it’s complicated… >> >> It involved strengthening broad structures of governance, putting >> technology infrastructures into (the right) place(s), training, >> developing appropriate mechanisms for consultation/decision making… >> And yes the answer was multi-stakeholder … but… not >> multistakeholderist… multi-stakeholder within a context which could >> accommodate and contain and make multi-stakeholder consultation and >> participation meaningful and useful for all concerned including to >> strengthen democratic governance and particularly figuring out how to >> get governmental structures to adapt and respond. To some degree this >> would be done in parallel to existing democratic processes but >> interwoven with them to use the democracy to reinforce the >> consultations and the consultations to deepen and reinforce the >> democracy. >> >> Sorry if this is tedious and not glib enough for you but given world >> enough and time my guess is that this kind of thing could work as >> well in Ouagadougou as in downtown Tehran… not sure about >> Hackney/Georgetown but it seems to work well enough in Teeside and if >> we can get these things to work in Ouga and Tehran and Teeside – well >> “first we take Manhattan and then we take Berlin.. * >> >> (And BTW it’s not me who is agitating to jettison 300 or so years of >> democracy in favour of some pig in a poke hatched in some US think >> tank and being foisted on the world by a self-interested cabal of the >> US State Department, Google, various other OECD private corps, and >> certain selected “civil society” organizations including your own it >> would appear** >> >> *Leonard Cohen.. >> http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/First-We-Take-Manhattan-lyrics-Leonard-Cohen/926CCB64249F308848256AF00028CB85 >> >> **TOWARD A SINGLE GLOBAL DIGITAL ECONOMY >> http://www.aspeninstitute.org/sites/default/files/content/upload/Toward_a_Single_Global_Digital_Economy_Aspen_IDEA_Project_0.pdf >> >> M >> >> *From:*Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] >> *Sent:* Wednesday, March 05, 2014 7:08 PM >> *To:* michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> ; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' >> *Cc:* bestbits at lists.bestbits.net >> *Subject:* Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial >> submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net >> >> I’m sorry Mike ���you are not answering the question. If you mean by >> multi-lateralism, negotiations about a global environment conducted >> by states I want to know - not why you think multi-stakeholderism is >> crap - which you have discussed with all of us at great and >> increasingly tedious length - but what js your democratic alternative >> that allows my interests – or any other citizens to be represented in >> global negotiations? >> >> Those you disagree with are looking for ways to ensure a broader >> range of voices – including states of course as the most powerful >> actors- in the governance debate. >> >> Put your option up for discussion and let’s see how democratic that >> is to the resident of downtown Tehran (or even Hackney where I live) >> >> *From: *michael gurstein > >> *Date: *Thursday, 6 March 2014 02:57 >> *To: *andrew Puddephatt > >, "governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> " >> > >, Jeremy Malcolm >> >, >> "parminder at itforchange.net " >> > >> *Cc: *">" >> > >> *Subject: *RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial >> submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net >> >> Andrew (and Suresh… >> >> Those are quite legitimate points/questions and very much worthy of >> serious discussion and debate. >> >> However, evoking (over and over and over…) the undefined, >> undescribed, undetailed multistakeholderist mantra doesn’t get us any >> closer… >> >> The continuous shapeshifting by the proponents of the MS meme >> whenever they are challenged to get real --well this isn’t quite >> “MSism”, it isn’t true MSism, it will be better next time MSism, >> doesn’t do anyone a service (except the “wizards” behind the curtains). >> >> From my own experience, whenever MSism “gets real” it falls >> apart—either it doesn’t have any operational processes or related >> significant structures of accountability so it can’t handle even the >> most insignificant of challenges without some form of full on >> offensive/defensive onslaught or it simply ignores the issue and >> moves on. Nor can it handle even the most inconsequential of >> divergences/diversities of opinion—the drive towards >> convergence/consensus (and the associated processes of >> marginalization and exclusion) are terrifying to me if there were any >> real chance of scaling. In the last century we had a lot of >> experience (and several names) for political systems that couldn’t >> deal with challenge, divergence, conflict and insisted on a managed >> consensus and forced choices “or else… >> >> Democracy and multi-lateralism both have many many flaws but they >> have both taken us a considerable distance down roads that allow us >> to be where we are now and thinking about significant and desirable >> ways forward into much more complex decision environments. Moreover >> we now have (the possibility of using) new tools to support the >> extending of democratic capabilities, the broader inclusion of >> diversities, the extension of opportunities for effective >> participation to previously marginalized populations. >> >> I see absolutely no reason for civil society to be uncritically >> supporting MSism as is obviously currently the case. To my mind this >> goes against everything that CS has traditionally stood for—the >> broadening and deepening of accountability in support of the public >> good, the strengthening of democracy including through its extension >> to the poor and marginalized, the developing of public processes and >> methods to control the unaccountable use of private power in >> opposition to the public interest. >> >> MSism is in its essence a form of privatization of power—shifting of >> power from the hands of people (however flawed that might be) to the >> hands of those who for the most part are unaccountable and >> non-transparent in their actions, their internal operations and in >> their structures. >> >> I would love to see some demonstration that I am wrong or that I’ve >> missed something but another round of “trust them/us” is not going to >> cut it. >> >> Mike >> >> *From:*Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] >> *Sent:* Wednesday, March 05, 2014 6:14 PM >> *To:* michael gurstein; governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> ; 'Jeremy Malcolm'; 'parminder' >> *Cc:* bestbits at lists.bestbits.net >> *Subject:* Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial >> submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net >> >> Michael >> >> Those of us less clever than you are trying to figure out how to make >> governance of a global system more equitable and transparent and >> accountable. Clearly we failed. >> >> Can you explain to me how an international inter state process is >> democratic, assuming that is what you believe (and if not what is >> your democratic alternative to the submissions on BB?). How are my >> interests represented by inter state discussions, or those of Chinese >> or Russian citizens, or women in Saudi Arabia or Canadian academics? >> >> *From: *michael gurstein > >> *Reply-To: *michael gurstein > > >> *Date: *Wednesday, 5 March 2014 23:57 >> *To: *"governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> " >> > >, Jeremy Malcolm >> >, >> "parminder at itforchange.net " >> > >> *Cc: *">" >> > >> *Subject: *RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial >> submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net >> >> I see, so in your world democracy (however flawed), is to be replaced >> by Multistakeholderism where there is no (evident) transparency (T) >> or accountability (A) for the inputs into the stakeholder processes, >> no (evident) T or A for the outputs of the stakeholder processes and >> the stakeholders themselves are subject to no effective T or A since >> they are some sort of (interglalactic?) shapeshifters errr… those >> with “role flexibilities”. >> >> Have I missed something here? >> >> This may work for a Wizard of Oz space like 1Net where even as the >> curtain gets repeatedly bunched up revealing the (“non-existent”—we >> have it on the highest possible authority—trust us) wizard pulling >> the strings and T & A appears to consist of repeated choruses of >> “trust them it will get better” by a fawning self-selected “Steering >> Committee”, but surely in our world we might expect something with a >> slightly higher reality component. >> >> M >> >> *From:*governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org >> >> [mailto:governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org] *On Behalf Of *Jeremy >> Malcolm >> *Sent:* Wednesday, March 05, 2014 4:21 AM >> *To:* governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> ; parminder >> *Cc:* <,bestbits at lists.bestbits.net> >> , >> *Subject:* Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial >> submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net >> >> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:49 pm, parminder > > wrote: >> >> >> >> >> >> So, request a clear response - do you mean */parity/* in */decision >> making/* about */public policies /*between gov and non gov actors.... >> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got >> taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important >> point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - rest >> is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and not >> skirt it... >> >> Different people who contributed to the submission, even if they all >> endorse the final result, will probably give you different answers to >> that question. I'm not sure that anyone is interested in what my >> personal answer is because I'm just an individual, but I would say no >> I do not accept as a general proposition that parity in decision >> making is appropriate, which is why I personally objected to that >> language being used. >> >> For some issues, it will be appropriate that the stakeholders act as >> equals in the decision making process (to the extent that there is a >> "decision" at all). In other areas, it won't be appropriate and may >> be more appropriate that although all stakeholders are involved, one >> of them will legitimately take a bigger role than the others. For >> example governments may take a leading role in transnational human >> rights disputes, the technical community may do so in developing spam >> filtering standards, civil society may do so in developing human >> rights based principles for judging government surveillance >> practices, and even the private sector may do so, say in setting >> prices for the trading of IPv4 addresses. >> >> This also implies that the appropriate mechanism of governance may >> differ in each case, eg. laws, standards, markets. The above all >> follows naturally if you accept that there are no fixed stakeholder >> roles, because the appropriate roles will differ depending on the >> circumstances. >> >> >> >> >> >> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its submission >> to NetMundial >> >> ... >> >> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >> >> Nope, don't agree with the German government's formulation because it >> maintains the fallacy of fixed stakeholder roles. >> >> -- >> >> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com >> >> Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek >> >> host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk >> -F! '{print $3}' >> >> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see >> http://jere.my/l/pgp. >> > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From parminder at itforchange.net Thu Mar 6 04:07:16 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 14:37:16 +0530 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> Message-ID: <53183AC4.5080108@itforchange.net> Anriette I dont think the meaning of multilateral - in terms of global governance - has changed since 2001. It is the same. it was never necessarily involving only governments (UNESCO is and was always multi-lateral, but involves so many non-gov parties in such deep measures) but yes public policy decision making was by governments ..... But of course APC is the best judge and exponent of how the term is used in APC's charter.. In any case, since this point in APC charter is about oversight of the Internet, what is written in the APC charter certainly goes completely against the proposed submission on the BB platform on ICANN matters.. parminder On Thursday 06 March 2014 01:44 PM, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > Dear all > > Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and the > use of 'multilateral'. > > The full text in Theme 6.1 is: > > "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with the > full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and > international organisations. No single government should have a > pre-eminent role in relation to international internet governance." > > When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its dictionary > sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties and multiple > countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. > > In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic defines > how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of governments, > the private sector, civil society and international organisations. No > single government should have a pre-eminent role in relation to > international internet governance." > > Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the term > multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as meaning > "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest that. But we > certainly did mean that governments should be involved, and that no > one government should dominate - but in the context of the involvement > of other stakeholders too. > > Best > > Anriette > > > On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >> >> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>> >>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>> > wrote: >>>> >>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's behalf >>>>> has this all important principle, "Decisions made with respect to >>>>> Internet governance should only be made by bodies that allow free >>>>> and equitable access to all stakeholders at all points in the >>>>> decision-making process." Well of course. Two hoots to democracy! >>>>> >>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>>>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>> >>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>>>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... BUT... >>>>> /* >>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>>> multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is different from >>>>> what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. If so, >>>>> how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all stakeholders, >>>>> including business reps, have equal part and role (as gov reps) in >>>>> making decisions about public policies. Please address this point >>>>> specifically. >>>> >>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of this >>>> on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can read for >>>> yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At various times >>>> it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it became "equitable >>>> participation", which is somewhat flexible, to accommodate the >>>> different viewpoints that we all have about how equal the >>>> stakeholder roles should be. >>> >>> >>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and non-democracy. >>> >>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in /*decision >>> making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and non gov actors.... >> >> >> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that this >> CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not multistakeholder >> governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >> >> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to multilateral >> democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet governanceshould be >> multilateral and democratic. " >> >> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this present >> submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - does not come >> from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the principle inspirations. >> >> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also quoted >> as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, CoE >> principles, and G 8 principles.... >> >> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term >> either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much >> subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >> >> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil >> society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >> >> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in this >> doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance >> characteristics" you could think only of " openness, transparency, >> inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable multistakeholder >> participation */" (emphasis added) >> >> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the word >> 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur to >> someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the group.... >> Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for me to stay away >> from this doc. >> >> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not to >> get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the thin >> end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave new post >> democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream of.... It is >> a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed to be the Trojan >> Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib order. >> >> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like equitable >> multistakeholder participation (further explained in the emerging >> contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the survey) are getting >> introduced as basis of our governance. And see how exactly it matches >> what some of us predicted is the prime objective at present of the US >> supported status quoists to get into the text of the outcomes from >> NetMundial...... All of piece. >> >> parminder >> >> >>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got >>> taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important >>> point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - >>> rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and >>> not skirt it... >>> >>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >>> submission to NetMundial >>> >>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of the >>> people, possess public authority including internet-related public >>> policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for legitimacy >>> and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to respect and protect >>> human rights, ensure that the rule of law is respected and that >>> relevant national legislation complies with their obligations under >>> international law. Moreover, they need to ensure that the >>> appropriate basic conditions both in terms of cyber-security and >>> technical provisions are in place. Civil society serves, and should >>> continue to do so, as a facilitator and notably as a source of >>> empowerment and credibility, especially at community level. The >>> private sector and particularly the technical community >>> significantly influence and encourage the development, distribution >>> and accessibility of the internet, and should continue to do so. In >>> order to fully live up to the potentials for economic growth, >>> innovation, freedom of expression, access to information and ideas >>> and democratic participation in a knowledge society, all >>> stakeholders involved need to work together." >>> >>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>> >>> parminder >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com >>>> Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek >>>> host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk >>>> -F! '{print $3}' >>>> >>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >>>> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see >>>> http://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>> >>> >> > > -- > ------------------------------------------------------ > anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org > executive director, association for progressive communications > www.apc.org > po box 29755, melville 2109 > south africa > tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Sun Mar 2 23:30:27 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina Rossini) Date: Sun, 2 Mar 2014 20:30:27 -0800 Subject: [bestbits] Re: U.S. submission to the Council Working Group on International Internet-Related Public Policy In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: will anybody from this list be following this meeting? http://www.itu.int/en/council/cwg-internet/Pages/default.aspx On Mon, Feb 10, 2014 at 1:53 PM, Carolina Rossini < carolina.rossini at gmail.com> wrote: > > Please find attached the U.S. submission to the Council Working Group on > International Internet-Related Public Policy (CWG-Internet), which > addresses the role of governments in a variety of policy areas. This was > made public today. > > > The next meeting the CWG-Internet will be held in Geneva, March 3-4. > > > *Carolina Rossini* > *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* > Open Technology Institute > *New America Foundation* > // > http://carolinarossini.net/ > + 1 6176979389 > *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* > skype: carolrossini > @carolinarossini > > -- *Carolina Rossini* *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* Open Technology Institute *New America Foundation* // http://carolinarossini.net/ + 1 6176979389 *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* skype: carolrossini @carolinarossini -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nb at bollow.ch Thu Mar 6 04:15:26 2014 From: nb at bollow.ch (Norbert Bollow) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2014 10:15:26 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Just Net Coalition contribution on Principles for Netmundial.br Message-ID: <20140306101526.7a850a03@quill> (I'm posting this, in separate messages, to the IGC, BestBits and /1net mailing lists; my apologies if this results in you receiving multiple copies.) Dear all Last month I had the pleasure to participate in a meeting in New Delhi of a fairly large number of civil society people who agree that in Internet governance, the emphasis on human rights and social justice must be increased. This meeting has led us to decide to get organized under the name "Just Net Coalition". We have also agreed on the attached "principles" document and submitted it to the NETmundial.br meeting. Gretings, Norbert -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Just_Net_Coalition_Principles_Brazil_sub1.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 79143 bytes Desc: not available URL: From joy at apc.org Thu Mar 6 04:55:26 2014 From: joy at apc.org (joy) Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 22:55:26 +1300 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> Message-ID: <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter the full quote in Theme 6.1 is: Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and international organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international internet governance. This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder processes are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and APC has been on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder processes: these are simply one form of democratic participation. To be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other documents and says, taken together, certain principles relevant to internet governance can be deduced and should be taken forward into NetMundial, including human rights. I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing the Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: a) governments alone make public policy including some which is relevant to internet governance b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other when doing so; and c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and therefore should not be on an equal footing with governments this role (though they can of course be involved/consulted) . Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines that a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public policy which is relevant to internet governance b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing or parity with each other when doing so; Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission which simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder participation and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. Joy Joy On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > Dear all > > Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and the > use of 'multilateral'. > > The full text in Theme 6.1 is: > > "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with the > full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and > international organisations. No single government should have a > pre-eminent role in relation to international internet governance." > > When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its dictionary > sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties and multiple > countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. > > In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic defines > how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of governments, > the private sector, civil society and international organisations. No > single government should have a pre-eminent role in relation to > international internet governance." > > Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the term > multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as meaning > "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest that. But we > certainly did mean that governments should be involved, and that no > one government should dominate - but in the context of the involvement > of other stakeholders too. > > Best > > Anriette > > > On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >> >> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>> >>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>> > wrote: >>>> >>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's behalf >>>>> has this all important principle, "Decisions made with respect to >>>>> Internet governance should only be made by bodies that allow free >>>>> and equitable access to all stakeholders at all points in the >>>>> decision-making process." Well of course. Two hoots to democracy! >>>>> >>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>>>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>> >>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>>>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... BUT... >>>>> /* >>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>>> multistakeholder participation"*/ and whether it is different from >>>>> what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. If so, >>>>> how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all stakeholders, >>>>> including business reps, have equal part and role (as gov reps) in >>>>> making decisions about public policies. Please address this point >>>>> specifically. >>>> >>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of this >>>> on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can read for >>>> yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At various times >>>> it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it became "equitable >>>> participation", which is somewhat flexible, to accommodate the >>>> different viewpoints that we all have about how equal the >>>> stakeholder roles should be. >>> >>> >>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and non-democracy. >>> >>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in /*decision >>> making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and non gov actors.... >> >> >> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that this >> CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not multistakeholder >> governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >> >> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to multilateral >> democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet governanceshould be >> multilateral and democratic. " >> >> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this present >> submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - does not come >> from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the principle inspirations. >> >> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also quoted >> as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, CoE >> principles, and G 8 principles.... >> >> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term >> either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much >> subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >> >> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil >> society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >> >> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in this >> doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance >> characteristics" you could think only of " openness, transparency, >> inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable multistakeholder >> participation */" (emphasis added) >> >> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the word >> 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur to >> someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the group.... >> Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for me to stay away >> from this doc. >> >> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not to >> get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the thin >> end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave new post >> democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream of.... It is >> a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed to be the Trojan >> Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib order. >> >> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like equitable >> multistakeholder participation (further explained in the emerging >> contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the survey) are getting >> introduced as basis of our governance. And see how exactly it matches >> what some of us predicted is the prime objective at present of the US >> supported status quoists to get into the text of the outcomes from >> NetMundial...... All of piece. >> >> parminder >> >> >>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got >>> taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important >>> point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - >>> rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and >>> not skirt it... >>> >>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >>> submission to NetMundial >>> >>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of the >>> people, possess public authority including internet-related public >>> policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for legitimacy >>> and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to respect and protect >>> human rights, ensure that the rule of law is respected and that >>> relevant national legislation complies with their obligations under >>> international law. Moreover, they need to ensure that the >>> appropriate basic conditions both in terms of cyber-security and >>> technical provisions are in place. Civil society serves, and should >>> continue to do so, as a facilitator and notably as a source of >>> empowerment and credibility, especially at community level. The >>> private sector and particularly the technical community >>> significantly influence and encourage the development, distribution >>> and accessibility of the internet, and should continue to do so. In >>> order to fully live up to the potentials for economic growth, >>> innovation, freedom of expression, access to information and ideas >>> and democratic participation in a knowledge society, all >>> stakeholders involved need to work together." >>> >>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>> >>> parminder >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com >>>> Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek >>>> host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk >>>> -F! '{print $3}' >>>> >>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >>>> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see >>>> http://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>> >>> >> > > -- > ------------------------------------------------------ > anriette esterhuysen anriette at apc.org > executive director, association for progressive communications > www.apc.org > po box 29755, melville 2109 > south africa > tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: joy.vcf Type: text/x-vcard Size: 239 bytes Desc: not available URL: From parminder at itforchange.net Thu Mar 6 05:36:23 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 16:06:23 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Just Net Coalition contribution on Principles for Netmundial.br In-Reply-To: <20140306111504.4cb36b3c@quill> References: <20140306101520.0f505c82@quill> <10CCDF21-6F90-4377-8BA9-2B789F44723C@hserus.net> <20140306111504.4cb36b3c@quill> Message-ID: <53184FA7.1060602@itforchange.net> It was basically a global meeting and not an Indian one - with about 25 international participants and maybe 10 Indian... just from the top of my head.. The draft principles were adopted at the meeting, and have been further fine tuned and elaborated since for the Brazil submission, which is at http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/towards-a-just-and-equitable-internet-for-all/110 . These principles are now begin finalised as a collective work in form of what will be called as 'Delhi Declaration for an Equitable and Just Internet', likely by 15th March. parminder On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:45 PM, Norbert Bollow wrote: > Suresh Ramasubramanian wrote: > >> Hi Norbert, it would help if a list of the current signatories to >> this document (you, Indian NGOs ..) could be appended to the document. > At the current stage what we have is a consensus decision to form the > "Just Net Coalition" and a consensus decision to submit this document, > but we haven't completed the process of working out the Terms of > Reference or Charter (or whatever it'll get called) of Just Net > Coalition nor of figuring out the coalition's precise initial > composition (in the sense of who are organisational members and who > are individual members). > > But I absolutely agree, this needs to be sorted out ASAP, so that a > “list of the current signatories” can indeed be appended. > > Greetings, > Norbert > > >>> On 06-Mar-2014, at 14:45, Norbert Bollow wrote: >>> >>> (I'm posting this, in separate messages, to the IGC, BestBits >>> and /1net mailing lists; my apologies if this results in you >>> receiving multiple copies.) >>> >>> >>> Dear all >>> >>> Last month I had the pleasure to participate in a meeting in New >>> Delhi of a fairly large number of civil society people who agree >>> that in Internet governance, the emphasis on human rights and >>> social justice must be increased. >>> >>> This meeting has led us to decide to get organized under the name >>> "Just Net Coalition". >>> >>> We have also agreed on the attached "principles" document and >>> submitted it to the NETmundial.br meeting. >>> >>> Gretings, >>> Norbert >>> >>> ____________________________________________________________ >>> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >>> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >>> To be removed from the list, visit: >>> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >>> >>> For all other list information and functions, see: >>> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >>> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >>> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >>> >>> Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From genekimmelman at gmail.com Thu Mar 6 06:44:13 2014 From: genekimmelman at gmail.com (genekimmelman at gmail.com) Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 06:44:13 -0500 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Message-ID: +1 -------- Original message -------- From: joy Date: 03/06/2014 4:55 AM (GMT-05:00) To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org,Anriette Esterhuysen ,parminder ,"<,bestbits at lists.bestbits.net>," Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter the full quote in Theme 6.1 is: Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and international organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international internet governance. This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder processes are not democratic or desirable.  Quite the contrary and APC has been on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder processes: these are simply one form of democratic participation. To be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other documents and says, taken together, certain principles relevant to internet governance can be deduced and should be taken forward into NetMundial, including human rights. I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 recommendations  are simple, concise and helpful. It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing the Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: a) governments alone make public policy including some which is relevant to internet governance b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other when doing so; and c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and therefore should not be on an equal footing with governments this role (though they can of course be involved/consulted) . Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines that a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public policy which is relevant to internet governance b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing or parity with each other when doing so; Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission which simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder participation and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. Joy Joy On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: Dear all Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and the use of 'multilateral'. The full text in Theme 6.1 is: "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and international organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international internet governance." When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its dictionary sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties and multiple countries.  We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic defines how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and international organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international internet governance." Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the term multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as meaning "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest that. But we certainly did mean that governments should be involved, and that no one government should dominate - but in the context of the involvement of other stakeholders too. Best Anriette On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder wrote: And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at all points in the decision-making process." Well of course. Two hoots to democracy! Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... BUT... Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable multistakeholder participation" and whether it is different from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. Please address this point specifically. Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can read for yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At various times it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it became "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, to accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about how equal the stakeholder roles should be. I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and non-democracy. So, request a clear response - do you mean parity in decision making about public policies between gov and non gov actors.... It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that this CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not multistakeholder governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to multilateral democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic. " Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - does not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the principle inspirations. Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, CoE principles, and G 8 principles.... In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and emphatically speak of democracy, the MS  (multistakeholder) term either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil society actors in IG space - come up with ..... There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance characteristics" you could think only of " openness, transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and equitable multistakeholder participation " (emphasis added) In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the word 'democracy'  not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur to someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the group.... Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for me to stay away from this doc. And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not to get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the thin end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave new post democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream of.... It is a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed to be the Trojan Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib order. See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like equitable multistakeholder participation (further explained in the emerging contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the survey) are getting introduced as basis of our governance. And see how exactly it matches what some of us predicted is the prime objective at present of the US supported status quoists to get into the text of the outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. parminder And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and not skirt it... BTW, the German government has the following to say in its submission to NetMundial "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of the people, possess public authority including internet-related public policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for legitimacy and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to respect and protect human rights, ensure that the rule of law is respected and that relevant national legislation complies with their obligations under international law. Moreover, they need to ensure that the appropriate basic conditions both in terms of cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. Civil society serves, and should continue to do so, as a facilitator and notably as a source of empowerment and credibility, especially at community level. The private sector and particularly the technical community significantly influence and encourage the development, distribution and accessibility of the internet, and should continue to do so. In order to fully live up to the potentials for economic growth, innovation, freedom of expression, access to information and ideas and democratic participation in a knowledge society, all stakeholders involved need to work together." Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... parminder -- Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. -- ------------------------------------------------------ anriette esterhuysen anriette at apc.org executive director, association for progressive communications www.apc.org po box 29755, melville 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From parminder at itforchange.net Thu Mar 6 07:02:41 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 17:32:41 +0530 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> Message-ID: <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> Joy You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil society statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold that non-gov participants(which includes business)should be on the same footing as gov participants in terms of actually /*making public *//*policies*//*. */Fine. There is no room for confusion now. I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy making, which arent there in the mentioned statement, or its accompanying statements. parminder PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. And Joy - or is it someone else from APC - is on the steering committee on BB... I hope such mis-statements are avoided, and when pointed out withdrawn. Thanks. /* */ On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: > As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter the > full quote in Theme 6.1 is: > > Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with > the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil > society and international organisations. No single government > should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international > internet governance. > > This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder processes > are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and APC has been > on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder processes: these > are simply one form of democratic participation. To be fair, the Best > Bits submisson cites a range of other documents and says, taken > together, certain principles relevant to internet governance can be > deduced and should be taken forward into NetMundial, including human > rights. > > I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 > recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. > > It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing the > Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: > a) governments alone make public policy including some which is > relevant to internet governance > b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other when > doing so; and > c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and therefore > should not be on an equal footing with governments this role (though > they can of course be involved/consulted) . > > Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines that > a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public policy > which is relevant to internet governance > b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing or > parity with each other when doing so; > > Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission which > simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles > NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder participation > and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. > > > Joy > Joy > On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: >> Dear all >> >> Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and the >> use of 'multilateral'. >> >> The full text in Theme 6.1 is: >> >> "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with the >> full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society >> and international organisations. No single government should have a >> pre-eminent role in relation to international internet governance." >> >> When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its dictionary >> sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties and multiple >> countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. >> >> In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic defines >> how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of >> governments, the private sector, civil society and international >> organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent role in >> relation to international internet governance." >> >> Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the term >> multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as meaning >> "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest that. But we >> certainly did mean that governments should be involved, and that no >> one government should dominate - but in the context of the >> involvement of other stakeholders too. >> >> Best >> >> Anriette >> >> >> On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >>> >>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>>> >>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>>> > wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's behalf >>>>>> has this all important principle, "Decisions made with respect to >>>>>> Internet governance should only be made by bodies that allow free >>>>>> and equitable access to all stakeholders at all points in the >>>>>> decision-making process." Well of course. Two hoots to democracy! >>>>>> >>>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>>>>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>>> >>>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>>>>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... BUT... >>>>>> /* >>>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>>>> multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is different from >>>>>> what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. If so, >>>>>> how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all stakeholders, >>>>>> including business reps, have equal part and role (as gov reps) >>>>>> in making decisions about public policies. Please address this >>>>>> point specifically. >>>>> >>>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of this >>>>> on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can read for >>>>> yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At various >>>>> times it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it became >>>>> "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, to >>>>> accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about how >>>>> equal the stakeholder roles should be. >>>> >>>> >>>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and non-democracy. >>>> >>>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in /*decision >>>> making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and non gov actors.... >>> >>> >>> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that this >>> CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not >>> multistakeholder governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >>> >>> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to multilateral >>> democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet governanceshould be >>> multilateral and democratic. " >>> >>> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this present >>> submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - does not >>> come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the principle >>> inspirations. >>> >>> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also quoted >>> as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, CoE >>> principles, and G 8 principles.... >>> >>> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >>> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term >>> either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much >>> subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >>> >>> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil >>> society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >>> >>> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in this >>> doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance >>> characteristics" you could think only of " openness, transparency, >>> inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable multistakeholder >>> participation */" (emphasis added) >>> >>> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the >>> word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur to >>> someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the group.... >>> Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for me to stay >>> away from this doc. >>> >>> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not to >>> get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the thin >>> end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave new post >>> democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream of.... It is >>> a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed to be the Trojan >>> Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib order. >>> >>> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like equitable >>> multistakeholder participation (further explained in the emerging >>> contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the survey) are getting >>> introduced as basis of our governance. And see how exactly it >>> matches what some of us predicted is the prime objective at present >>> of the US supported status quoists to get into the text of the >>> outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. >>> >>> parminder >>> >>> >>>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got >>>> taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important >>>> point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - >>>> rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and >>>> not skirt it... >>>> >>>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >>>> submission to NetMundial >>>> >>>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of the >>>> people, possess public authority including internet-related public >>>> policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for legitimacy >>>> and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to respect and protect >>>> human rights, ensure that the rule of law is respected and that >>>> relevant national legislation complies with their obligations under >>>> international law. Moreover, they need to ensure that the >>>> appropriate basic conditions both in terms of cyber-security and >>>> technical provisions are in place. Civil society serves, and should >>>> continue to do so, as a facilitator and notably as a source of >>>> empowerment and credibility, especially at community level. The >>>> private sector and particularly the technical community >>>> significantly influence and encourage the development, distribution >>>> and accessibility of the internet, and should continue to do so. In >>>> order to fully live up to the potentials for economic growth, >>>> innovation, freedom of expression, access to information and ideas >>>> and democratic participation in a knowledge society, all >>>> stakeholders involved need to work together." >>>> >>>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>>> >>>> parminder >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com >>>>> Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek >>>>> host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk >>>>> -F! '{print $3}' >>>>> >>>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >>>>> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, >>>>> see http://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>>> >>>> >>> >> >> -- >> ------------------------------------------------------ >> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org >> executive director, association for progressive communications >> www.apc.org >> po box 29755, melville 2109 >> south africa >> tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From wolfgang.kleinwaechter at medienkomm.uni-halle.de Thu Mar 6 06:31:22 2014 From: wolfgang.kleinwaechter at medienkomm.uni-halle.de (=?iso-8859-1?Q?=22Kleinw=E4chter=2C_Wolfgang=22?=) Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 12:31:22 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Alternatives? References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> Andrew: Where I think we disagree is that I think you believe governments should in the end, make the final decisions about the internet as they are the sole source of legitimacy (please correct me if I misunderstand you). Parminder You do understand correctly. I believe that for global public policies the final public policy decision has to be taken by governments. This is so for policies in all area, whether climate change, health, trade, IP, or any other. That is an imperfect system, but that is the best we got... We should continually improve it, as various submissions from my organisation has sought, and well, IGF is a great reform measure, to help, but not do, policy making. Wolfgang: The reality is - and will remain for a long future - that the 190+ governments of the UN member states will be unable to agree and to reach consensus. WCIT was in so far a watershed because it demonstrated that there is no political will to agree on an the continuation of an already existing (more technical) treaty with some amendements. The only thing you will get out - if you follow Parminders advice - is "an agreement to disagree" (as enhanced cooperation). With other words: If you continue with this established hierarchcial system with intergovernmental treaties at the top, you will get nothing. You will end up in endless political and ideological battles The most restrictive government will determine where the "red line is". This will be a blockade for the next 20 years of Internet development with no new technical and economic innovations, growing restrictions for individual rights and freedoms, slowing down social and economic development - in particular in developing countries - reducing job opportunies and something more. The only way to bypass this is - as it has proved the last 20 years - the innovative bottom, transparent, accountable, open multistakeholder policy development process where governments are just one (vey important) stakeholder, but do not have a veto right and have to communicate, coordinate and collaborate on an equal footing among themsleves and with other stakeholders (which have to demonstrate their legitimacy) on an issue by issue basis towards rough consensus. And you need more non-governmental stakeholders from underprivilegd regions - in particular developing countries - to balance (governmental and non-governmental) monopolies, domination and capture. Study the IETF what rough consensus means. As long as the rough consensus is based on an open standard, it can be always enhanced and amended if new developments, (politcal) constellations and (social and economic) oppotunties arrive. So it is never the last word. But it helps to move (or stumble) forward to the benefit of the vast majority which is represented by the (multistakeholder) rough consensus. The big chance of NetMundial is that there could be a multistakeholder rough consensus around very high level, legally non binding general principles (which would allow also some governments to make reservations in line with the mechanisms which has been build into the Human Rights Declarations with regad to Article 19 and Article 29) and to agree on a multistakeholder road map which singles out issues of concern and gives a direction how to approach them (this could include also timelines and the launch of multistakeholder mechanisms like clearing houses, taks forces, observatories etc.). But the very concrete public policy arrangements - from Privacy to Security to Intellectual Property - will be made probably via bi-lateral or regional arrangements negotiated in a multistakeholder environment. And the outcome of this "Internet Governance Bilateralism" or "Internet Governance Regionalism" will produce another set of conflicts because a bilateral Chinese - Russian agreement on Internet Privacy would probably look rather different from the EU Directive (with 28 member states) and the EU Directive is also rather differerent from the US privacy approach. And also Brazil, South Africa, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia (in particular the governments) will keep their own positions. However, as long as you put this (very often historical and cultural determined) conflicts into a broader set of principles you avoid an escalation among the conflicting positions because at the end of the day all the different groups feel polically (and morally) bound by those set of principles, which will have the support not only by governments of the UN member states but also by all the other non-governmental stakeholders. This is a unique chance. It will not settle all problems and will not save the world. But it is a step forward at the right moment and in the right direction. The adoption of the Human Rights Declaration did not stop violations of human rights. But it offered a reference point which helped to reduce such violations. If we neglect or ignore this, the alternative will be that we are moving backwards into the 19th Century or even worse, into the Middle Ages. From stephanie.perrin at mail.utoronto.ca Thu Mar 6 07:35:11 2014 From: stephanie.perrin at mail.utoronto.ca (Stephanie Perrin) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2014 07:35:11 -0500 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Alternatives? In-Reply-To: <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> Message-ID: I strongly support this statement. As someone who worked in government for 30 years in this field, I must say that it is a rare government delegation that volunteers to engage with civil society. I cannot imagine why civil society wants to abdicate the little power they have at this point, they are needed at this inflection point in Internet history to stand resolute in protecting human rights, privacy, and development. Stephanie Perrin On 2014-03-06, at 6:31 AM, Kleinwächter, Wolfgang wrote: > > Andrew: > > Where I think we disagree is that I think you believe governments should in the end, make the final decisions about the internet as they are the sole source of legitimacy (please correct me if I misunderstand you). > > > Parminder > You do understand correctly. I believe that for global public policies the final public policy decision has to be taken by governments. This is so for policies in all area, whether climate change, health, trade, IP, or any other. That is an imperfect system, but that is the best we got... We should continually improve it, as various submissions from my organisation has sought, and well, IGF is a great reform measure, to help, but not do, policy making. > > > Wolfgang: > > The reality is - and will remain for a long future - that the 190+ governments of the UN member states will be unable to agree and to reach consensus. WCIT was in so far a watershed because it demonstrated that there is no political will to agree on an the continuation of an already existing (more technical) treaty with some amendements. The only thing you will get out - if you follow Parminders advice - is "an agreement to disagree" (as enhanced cooperation). > > With other words: If you continue with this established hierarchcial system with intergovernmental treaties at the top, you will get nothing. You will end up in endless political and ideological battles The most restrictive government will determine where the "red line is". This will be a blockade for the next 20 years of Internet development with no new technical and economic innovations, growing restrictions for individual rights and freedoms, slowing down social and economic development - in particular in developing countries - reducing job opportunies and something more. > > The only way to bypass this is - as it has proved the last 20 years - the innovative bottom, transparent, accountable, open multistakeholder policy development process where governments are just one (vey important) stakeholder, but do not have a veto right and have to communicate, coordinate and collaborate on an equal footing among themsleves and with other stakeholders (which have to demonstrate their legitimacy) on an issue by issue basis towards rough consensus. And you need more non-governmental stakeholders from underprivilegd regions - in particular developing countries - to balance (governmental and non-governmental) monopolies, domination and capture. > > Study the IETF what rough consensus means. As long as the rough consensus is based on an open standard, it can be always enhanced and amended if new developments, (politcal) constellations and (social and economic) oppotunties arrive. So it is never the last word. But it helps to move (or stumble) forward to the benefit of the vast majority which is represented by the (multistakeholder) rough consensus. > > The big chance of NetMundial is that there could be a multistakeholder rough consensus around very high level, legally non binding general principles (which would allow also some governments to make reservations in line with the mechanisms which has been build into the Human Rights Declarations with regad to Article 19 and Article 29) and to agree on a multistakeholder road map which singles out issues of concern and gives a direction how to approach them (this could include also timelines and the launch of multistakeholder mechanisms like clearing houses, taks forces, observatories etc.). > > But the very concrete public policy arrangements - from Privacy to Security to Intellectual Property - will be made probably via bi-lateral or regional arrangements negotiated in a multistakeholder environment. And the outcome of this "Internet Governance Bilateralism" or "Internet Governance Regionalism" will produce another set of conflicts because a bilateral Chinese - Russian agreement on Internet Privacy would probably look rather different from the EU Directive (with 28 member states) and the EU Directive is also rather differerent from the US privacy approach. And also Brazil, South Africa, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia (in particular the governments) will keep their own positions. > > However, as long as you put this (very often historical and cultural determined) conflicts into a broader set of principles you avoid an escalation among the conflicting positions because at the end of the day all the different groups feel polically (and morally) bound by those set of principles, which will have the support not only by governments of the UN member states but also by all the other non-governmental stakeholders. This is a unique chance. It will not settle all problems and will not save the world. But it is a step forward at the right moment and in the right direction. The adoption of the Human Rights Declaration did not stop violations of human rights. But it offered a reference point which helped to reduce such violations. > > If we neglect or ignore this, the alternative will be that we are moving backwards into the 19th Century or even worse, into the Middle Ages. > > > > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t From Andrew at gp-digital.org Thu Mar 6 08:46:37 2014 From: Andrew at gp-digital.org (Andrew Puddephatt) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2014 13:46:37 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] Re: Alternatives? In-Reply-To: <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> Message-ID: I think Wolfgang expresses my view of the issues very well and I don¹t think I can add to it. There¹s clearly two views emerging in civil society on IG - a one based on an established hierarchical system among states and the other - as said below - an innovative bottom, transparent, accountable, open multistakeholder policy development process where governments are just one (vey important) stakeholder, but do not have a veto rights Let¹s now see whose case is more persuasive On 06/03/2014 11:31, ""Kleinwächter, Wolfgang"" wrote: > >Andrew: > >Where I think we disagree is that I think you believe governments should >in the end, make the final decisions about the internet as they are the >sole source of legitimacy (please correct me if I misunderstand you). > > >Parminder >You do understand correctly. I believe that for global public policies >the final public policy decision has to be taken by governments. This is >so for policies in all area, whether climate change, health, trade, IP, >or any other. That is an imperfect system, but that is the best we got... >We should continually improve it, as various submissions from my >organisation has sought, and well, IGF is a great reform measure, to >help, but not do, policy making. > > >Wolfgang: > >The reality is - and will remain for a long future - that the 190+ >governments of the UN member states will be unable to agree and to reach >consensus. WCIT was in so far a watershed because it demonstrated that >there is no political will to agree on an the continuation of an already >existing (more technical) treaty with some amendements. The only thing >you will get out - if you follow Parminders advice - is "an agreement to >disagree" (as enhanced cooperation). > >With other words: If you continue with this established hierarchcial >system with intergovernmental treaties at the top, you will get nothing. >You will end up in endless political and ideological battles The most >restrictive government will determine where the "red line is". This will >be a blockade for the next 20 years of Internet development with no new >technical and economic innovations, growing restrictions for individual >rights and freedoms, slowing down social and economic development - in >particular in developing countries - reducing job opportunies and >something more. > >The only way to bypass this is - as it has proved the last 20 years - the >innovative bottom, transparent, accountable, open multistakeholder policy >development process where governments are just one (vey important) >stakeholder, but do not have a veto right and have to communicate, >coordinate and collaborate on an equal footing among themsleves and with >other stakeholders (which have to demonstrate their legitimacy) on an >issue by issue basis towards rough consensus. And you need more >non-governmental stakeholders from underprivilegd regions - in particular >developing countries - to balance (governmental and non-governmental) >monopolies, domination and capture. > >Study the IETF what rough consensus means. As long as the rough consensus >is based on an open standard, it can be always enhanced and amended if >new developments, (politcal) constellations and (social and economic) >oppotunties arrive. So it is never the last word. But it helps to move >(or stumble) forward to the benefit of the vast majority which is >represented by the (multistakeholder) rough consensus. > >The big chance of NetMundial is that there could be a multistakeholder >rough consensus around very high level, legally non binding general >principles (which would allow also some governments to make reservations >in line with the mechanisms which has been build into the Human Rights >Declarations with regad to Article 19 and Article 29) and to agree on a >multistakeholder road map which singles out issues of concern and gives a >direction how to approach them (this could include also timelines and the >launch of multistakeholder mechanisms like clearing houses, taks forces, >observatories etc.). > >But the very concrete public policy arrangements - from Privacy to >Security to Intellectual Property - will be made probably via bi-lateral >or regional arrangements negotiated in a multistakeholder environment. >And the outcome of this "Internet Governance Bilateralism" or "Internet >Governance Regionalism" will produce another set of conflicts because a >bilateral Chinese - Russian agreement on Internet Privacy would probably >look rather different from the EU Directive (with 28 member states) and >the EU Directive is also rather differerent from the US privacy approach. >And also Brazil, South Africa, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia (in particular >the governments) will keep their own positions. > >However, as long as you put this (very often historical and cultural >determined) conflicts into a broader set of principles you avoid an >escalation among the conflicting positions because at the end of the day >all the different groups feel polically (and morally) bound by those set >of principles, which will have the support not only by governments of the >UN member states but also by all the other non-governmental stakeholders. >This is a unique chance. It will not settle all problems and will not >save the world. But it is a step forward at the right moment and in the >right direction. The adoption of the Human Rights Declaration did not >stop violations of human rights. But it offered a reference point which >helped to reduce such violations. > >If we neglect or ignore this, the alternative will be that we are moving >backwards into the 19th Century or even worse, into the Middle Ages. > > > From jeanette at wzb.eu Thu Mar 6 08:52:05 2014 From: jeanette at wzb.eu (Jeanette Hofmann) Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 14:52:05 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Alternatives? In-Reply-To: References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> Message-ID: <53187D85.7030003@wzb.eu> + 1 to Stephanie and Wolfgang, jeanette Am 06.03.14 13:35, schrieb Stephanie Perrin: > I strongly support this statement. As someone who worked in government for 30 years in this field, I must say that it is a rare government delegation that volunteers to engage with civil society. I cannot imagine why civil society wants to abdicate the little power they have at this point, they are needed at this inflection point in Internet history to stand resolute in protecting human rights, privacy, and development. > Stephanie Perrin > On 2014-03-06, at 6:31 AM, Kleinwächter, Wolfgang wrote: > >> >> Andrew: >> >> Where I think we disagree is that I think you believe governments should in the end, make the final decisions about the internet as they are the sole source of legitimacy (please correct me if I misunderstand you). >> >> >> Parminder >> You do understand correctly. I believe that for global public policies the final public policy decision has to be taken by governments. This is so for policies in all area, whether climate change, health, trade, IP, or any other. That is an imperfect system, but that is the best we got... We should continually improve it, as various submissions from my organisation has sought, and well, IGF is a great reform measure, to help, but not do, policy making. >> >> >> Wolfgang: >> >> The reality is - and will remain for a long future - that the 190+ governments of the UN member states will be unable to agree and to reach consensus. WCIT was in so far a watershed because it demonstrated that there is no political will to agree on an the continuation of an already existing (more technical) treaty with some amendements. The only thing you will get out - if you follow Parminders advice - is "an agreement to disagree" (as enhanced cooperation). >> >> With other words: If you continue with this established hierarchcial system with intergovernmental treaties at the top, you will get nothing. You will end up in endless political and ideological battles The most restrictive government will determine where the "red line is". This will be a blockade for the next 20 years of Internet development with no new technical and economic innovations, growing restrictions for individual rights and freedoms, slowing down social and economic development - in particular in developing countries - reducing job opportunies and something more. >> >> The only way to bypass this is - as it has proved the last 20 years - the innovative bottom, transparent, accountable, open multistakeholder policy development process where governments are just one (vey important) stakeholder, but do not have a veto right and have to communicate, coordinate and collaborate on an equal footing among themsleves and with other stakeholders (which have to demonstrate their legitimacy) on an issue by issue basis towards rough consensus. And you need more non-governmental stakeholders from underprivilegd regions - in particular developing countries - to balance (governmental and non-governmental) monopolies, domination and capture. >> >> Study the IETF what rough consensus means. As long as the rough consensus is based on an open standard, it can be always enhanced and amended if new developments, (politcal) constellations and (social and economic) oppotunties arrive. So it is never the last word. But it helps to move (or stumble) forward to the benefit of the vast majority which is represented by the (multistakeholder) rough consensus. >> >> The big chance of NetMundial is that there could be a multistakeholder rough consensus around very high level, legally non binding general principles (which would allow also some governments to make reservations in line with the mechanisms which has been build into the Human Rights Declarations with regad to Article 19 and Article 29) and to agree on a multistakeholder road map which singles out issues of concern and gives a direction how to approach them (this could include also timelines and the launch of multistakeholder mechanisms like clearing houses, taks forces, observatories etc.). >> >> But the very concrete public policy arrangements - from Privacy to Security to Intellectual Property - will be made probably via bi-lateral or regional arrangements negotiated in a multistakeholder environment. And the outcome of this "Internet Governance Bilateralism" or "Internet Governance Regionalism" will produce another set of conflicts because a bilateral Chinese - Russian agreement on Internet Privacy would probably look rather different from the EU Directive (with 28 member states) and the EU Directive is also rather differerent from the US privacy approach. And also Brazil, South Africa, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia (in particular the governments) will keep their own positions. >> >> However, as long as you put this (very often historical and cultural determined) conflicts into a broader set of principles you avoid an escalation among the conflicting positions because at the end of the day all the different groups feel polically (and morally) bound by those set of principles, which will have the support not only by governments of the UN member states but also by all the other non-governmental stakeholders. This is a unique chance. It will not settle all problems and will not save the world. But it is a step forward at the right moment and in the right direction. The adoption of the Human Rights Declaration did not stop violations of human rights. But it offered a reference point which helped to reduce such violations. >> >> If we neglect or ignore this, the alternative will be that we are moving backwards into the 19th Century or even worse, into the Middle Ages. >> >> >> >> >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> To be removed from the list, visit: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >> >> For all other list information and functions, see: >> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >> >> Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t > From gurstein at gmail.com Thu Mar 6 09:00:55 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2014 06:00:55 -0800 Subject: [bestbits] RE: Alternatives? In-Reply-To: References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> Message-ID: <0d0b01cf3944$7f406640$7dc132c0$@gmail.com> Andrew, I fail to see how Wolfgang's discussion of MSism as an ideal type (using the narrowly technical issues addressed by the IETF as his example) addresses any of the reality based questions that I posed. Perhaps you (or Wolfgang or others) could either indicate how Wolfgang's comments do address my questions or respond to them yourself. As a reminder I'm copying them in below... Reading your contribution I’m left with more questions than answers I’m afraid.. 1. What are the details for the formation/determination of “stakeholders”—do they pursue their interests/stakes or do they pursue the public good a. How are divergent interests/conflicts within stakeholder groups handled b. Is this transparent c. What are the accountability mechanisms here d. Who/how is “legitimacy” accorded/denied—by what authority e. Who gives legitimacy to the legitimizers 2. Decision making processes—i.e. how are divergent interests/conflicts between stakeholders handled a. who gets to deny consensus and how can we be at all certain that the result is in the public interest— b. can/should those with specific private interests be in a position to deny consensus/force consensus on their terms (Parminder’s point about the private sector being equal with governments in making decisions) c. Is there an artificial drive to a forced consensus d. Can private interests drive decisions and what is to prevent this e. Is there such a thing as “conflict of interest”—who is responsible for this—how is it policed, sanctions 3. How to ensure true diversity of opinion including among those who challenge the way in which the issues are framed—diversity of “identity” is relatively easy, normative diversity is rather more difficult to achieve and handle 4. How is the very real danger of capture guarded against 5. What would be the process of deepening participation/consultation Without dealing with the above and associated reality based questions you and the other MSist advocates are expecting folks to buy a pig in a poke alright perhaps for some – the powerful and the networked but dangerous indeed for everyone else. M -----Original Message----- From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2014 5:47 AM To: "Kleinwächter, Wolfgang"; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; parminder; michael gurstein; Jeremy Malcolm Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: Alternatives? I think Wolfgang expresses my view of the issues very well and I don¹t think I can add to it. There¹s clearly two views emerging in civil society on IG - a one based on an established hierarchical system among states and the other - as said below - an innovative bottom, transparent, accountable, open multistakeholder policy development process where governments are just one (vey important) stakeholder, but do not have a veto rights Let¹s now see whose case is more persuasive On 06/03/2014 11:31, ""Kleinwächter, Wolfgang"" < wolfgang.kleinwaechter at medienkomm.uni-halle.de> wrote: > >Andrew: > >Where I think we disagree is that I think you believe governments >should in the end, make the final decisions about the internet as they >are the sole source of legitimacy (please correct me if I misunderstand you). > > >Parminder >You do understand correctly. I believe that for global public policies >the final public policy decision has to be taken by governments. This >is so for policies in all area, whether climate change, health, trade, >IP, or any other. That is an imperfect system, but that is the best we got... >We should continually improve it, as various submissions from my >organisation has sought, and well, IGF is a great reform measure, to >help, but not do, policy making. > > >Wolfgang: > >The reality is - and will remain for a long future - that the 190+ >governments of the UN member states will be unable to agree and to >reach consensus. WCIT was in so far a watershed because it demonstrated >that there is no political will to agree on an the continuation of an >already existing (more technical) treaty with some amendements. The >only thing you will get out - if you follow Parminders advice - is "an >agreement to disagree" (as enhanced cooperation). > >With other words: If you continue with this established hierarchcial >system with intergovernmental treaties at the top, you will get nothing. >You will end up in endless political and ideological battles The most >restrictive government will determine where the "red line is". This >will be a blockade for the next 20 years of Internet development with >no new technical and economic innovations, growing restrictions for >individual rights and freedoms, slowing down social and economic >development - in particular in developing countries - reducing job >opportunies and something more. > >The only way to bypass this is - as it has proved the last 20 years - >the innovative bottom, transparent, accountable, open multistakeholder >policy development process where governments are just one (vey >important) stakeholder, but do not have a veto right and have to >communicate, coordinate and collaborate on an equal footing among >themsleves and with other stakeholders (which have to demonstrate their >legitimacy) on an issue by issue basis towards rough consensus. And you >need more non-governmental stakeholders from underprivilegd regions - >in particular developing countries - to balance (governmental and >non-governmental) monopolies, domination and capture. > >Study the IETF what rough consensus means. As long as the rough >consensus is based on an open standard, it can be always enhanced and >amended if new developments, (politcal) constellations and (social and >economic) oppotunties arrive. So it is never the last word. But it >helps to move (or stumble) forward to the benefit of the vast majority >which is represented by the (multistakeholder) rough consensus. > >The big chance of NetMundial is that there could be a multistakeholder >rough consensus around very high level, legally non binding general >principles (which would allow also some governments to make >reservations in line with the mechanisms which has been build into the >Human Rights Declarations with regad to Article 19 and Article 29) and >to agree on a multistakeholder road map which singles out issues of >concern and gives a direction how to approach them (this could include >also timelines and the launch of multistakeholder mechanisms like >clearing houses, taks forces, observatories etc.). > >But the very concrete public policy arrangements - from Privacy to >Security to Intellectual Property - will be made probably via >bi-lateral or regional arrangements negotiated in a multistakeholder environment. >And the outcome of this "Internet Governance Bilateralism" or "Internet >Governance Regionalism" will produce another set of conflicts because a >bilateral Chinese - Russian agreement on Internet Privacy would >probably look rather different from the EU Directive (with 28 member >states) and the EU Directive is also rather differerent from the US privacy approach. >And also Brazil, South Africa, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia (in particular >the governments) will keep their own positions. > >However, as long as you put this (very often historical and cultural >determined) conflicts into a broader set of principles you avoid an >escalation among the conflicting positions because at the end of the >day all the different groups feel polically (and morally) bound by >those set of principles, which will have the support not only by >governments of the UN member states but also by all the other non-governmental stakeholders. >This is a unique chance. It will not settle all problems and will not >save the world. But it is a step forward at the right moment and in the >right direction. The adoption of the Human Rights Declaration did not >stop violations of human rights. But it offered a reference point which >helped to reduce such violations. > >If we neglect or ignore this, the alternative will be that we are >moving backwards into the 19th Century or even worse, into the Middle Ages. > > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From David_Allen_AB63 at post.harvard.edu Mon Mar 3 10:44:07 2014 From: David_Allen_AB63 at post.harvard.edu (David Allen) Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2014 10:44:07 -0500 Subject: [governance] [bestbits] RSVP - discussion of governance mechanisms (was Re: substantive proposals for Brazil summit - IG) In-Reply-To: <52F71A0E.2090406@itforchange.net> References: <00ea01cf2409$3208d920$961a8b60$@gmail.com><20140207150553.775173a6@quill> <156454A2925A4E8EB1F5913597EC11E0@Toshiba> <52F55F3B.4010408@acm.org> <02c701cf2498$acd5dec0$06819c40$@gmail.com> <52F71A0E.2090406@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <1146D0C6-9ABB-4DB5-8D4E-E0DE8664ED04@post.harvard.edu> Though I am seriously late to find - thank goodness for it. Terrifying, for me anyway. Should be read widely. So much thanks to Parminder for sending. David On Feb 9, 2014, at 1:02 AM, parminder wrote: > > please read this carefully. This is what multistakeholderism is all about > > http://www.tni.org/article/not-everybodys-business > > The WEF at Davos is its prototype, and it is certainly post-democratic.. > > Hope civil society groups (the IG kind) wake up before it is too late, and history questions its role in subverting democracy. > > parminder From Andrew at gp-digital.org Thu Mar 6 09:12:31 2014 From: Andrew at gp-digital.org (Andrew Puddephatt) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2014 14:12:31 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] Re: Alternatives? In-Reply-To: <0d0b01cf3944$7f406640$7dc132c0$@gmail.com> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> <0d0b01cf3944$7f406640$7dc132c0$@gmail.com> Message-ID: And I fail to see how a hierarchical state based system of decision making – which is the alternative being proposed – answers your questions or as I prefer to think of it - offers me any sees of how my interests as a user will be taken care off. That to me is the important question The kind of governments wanting to assert “state sovereignty” over the internet, to use Russia’s phrase, have no interest in my concerns whereas most civil society groups that I have see active in this space do. So I’d like to see them at the table From: michael gurstein > Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 14:00 To: andrew Puddephatt >, "'\"Kleinwächter", "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" >, "parminder at itforchange.net" >, Jeremy Malcolm > Cc: "" > Subject: RE: Alternatives? Andrew, I fail to see how Wolfgang's discussion of MSism as an ideal type (using the narrowly technical issues addressed by the IETF as his example) addresses any of the reality based questions that I posed. Perhaps you (or Wolfgang or others) could either indicate how Wolfgang's comments do address my questions or respond to them yourself. As a reminder I'm copying them in below... Reading your contribution I’m left with more questions than answers I’m afraid.. 1. What are the details for the formation/determination of “stakeholders”—do they pursue their interests/stakes or do they pursue the public good * How are divergent interests/conflicts within stakeholder groups handled * Is this transparent * What are the accountability mechanisms here * Who/how is “legitimacy” accorded/denied—by what authority * Who gives legitimacy to the legitimizers 2. Decision making processes—i.e. how are divergent interests/conflicts between stakeholders handled * who gets to deny consensus and how can we be at all certain that the result is in the public interest— * can/should those with specific private interests be in a position to deny consensus/force consensus on their terms (Parminder’s point about the private sector being equal with governments in making decisions) * Is there an artificial drive to a forced consensus * Can private interests drive decisions and what is to prevent this * Is there such a thing as “conflict of interest”—who is responsible for this—how is it policed, sanctions 3. How to ensure true diversity of opinion including among those who challenge the way in which the issues are framed—diversity of “identity” is relatively easy, normative diversity is rather more difficult to achieve and handle 4. How is the very real danger of capture guarded against 5. What would be the process of deepening participation/consultation Without dealing with the above and associated reality based questions you and the other MSist advocates are expecting folks to buy a pig in a poke… alright perhaps for some – the powerful and the networked but dangerous indeed for everyone else. M -----Original Message----- From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2014 5:47 AM To: "Kleinwächter, Wolfgang"; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; parminder; michael gurstein; Jeremy Malcolm Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: Alternatives? I think Wolfgang expresses my view of the issues very well and I don¹t think I can add to it. There¹s clearly two views emerging in civil society on IG - a one based on an established hierarchical system among states and the other - as said below - an innovative bottom, transparent, accountable, open multistakeholder policy development process where governments are just one (vey important) stakeholder, but do not have a veto rights Let¹s now see whose case is more persuasive On 06/03/2014 11:31, ""Kleinwächter, Wolfgang"" > wrote: > >Andrew: > >Where I think we disagree is that I think you believe governments >should in the end, make the final decisions about the internet as they >are the sole source of legitimacy (please correct me if I misunderstand you). > > >Parminder >You do understand correctly. I believe that for global public policies >the final public policy decision has to be taken by governments. This >is so for policies in all area, whether climate change, health, trade, >IP, or any other. That is an imperfect system, but that is the best we got... >We should continually improve it, as various submissions from my >organisation has sought, and well, IGF is a great reform measure, to >help, but not do, policy making. > > >Wolfgang: > >The reality is - and will remain for a long future - that the 190+ >governments of the UN member states will be unable to agree and to >reach consensus. WCIT was in so far a watershed because it demonstrated >that there is no political will to agree on an the continuation of an >already existing (more technical) treaty with some amendements. The >only thing you will get out - if you follow Parminders advice - is "an >agreement to disagree" (as enhanced cooperation). > >With other words: If you continue with this established hierarchcial >system with intergovernmental treaties at the top, you will get nothing. >You will end up in endless political and ideological battles The most >restrictive government will determine where the "red line is". This >will be a blockade for the next 20 years of Internet development with >no new technical and economic innovations, growing restrictions for >individual rights and freedoms, slowing down social and economic >development - in particular in developing countries - reducing job >opportunies and something more. > >The only way to bypass this is - as it has proved the last 20 years - >the innovative bottom, transparent, accountable, open multistakeholder >policy development process where governments are just one (vey >important) stakeholder, but do not have a veto right and have to >communicate, coordinate and collaborate on an equal footing among >themsleves and with other stakeholders (which have to demonstrate their >legitimacy) on an issue by issue basis towards rough consensus. And you >need more non-governmental stakeholders from underprivilegd regions - >in particular developing countries - to balance (governmental and >non-governmental) monopolies, domination and capture. > >Study the IETF what rough consensus means. As long as the rough >consensus is based on an open standard, it can be always enhanced and >amended if new developments, (politcal) constellations and (social and >economic) oppotunties arrive. So it is never the last word. But it >helps to move (or stumble) forward to the benefit of the vast majority >which is represented by the (multistakeholder) rough consensus. > >The big chance of NetMundial is that there could be a multistakeholder >rough consensus around very high level, legally non binding general >principles (which would allow also some governments to make >reservations in line with the mechanisms which has been build into the >Human Rights Declarations with regad to Article 19 and Article 29) and >to agree on a multistakeholder road map which singles out issues of >concern and gives a direction how to approach them (this could include >also timelines and the launch of multistakeholder mechanisms like >clearing houses, taks forces, observatories etc.). > >But the very concrete public policy arrangements - from Privacy to >Security to Intellectual Property - will be made probably via >bi-lateral or regional arrangements negotiated in a multistakeholder environment. >And the outcome of this "Internet Governance Bilateralism" or "Internet >Governance Regionalism" will produce another set of conflicts because a >bilateral Chinese - Russian agreement on Internet Privacy would >probably look rather different from the EU Directive (with 28 member >states) and the EU Directive is also rather differerent from the US privacy approach. >And also Brazil, South Africa, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia (in particular >the governments) will keep their own positions. > >However, as long as you put this (very often historical and cultural >determined) conflicts into a broader set of principles you avoid an >escalation among the conflicting positions because at the end of the >day all the different groups feel polically (and morally) bound by >those set of principles, which will have the support not only by >governments of the UN member states but also by all the other non-governmental stakeholders. >This is a unique chance. It will not settle all problems and will not >save the world. But it is a step forward at the right moment and in the >right direction. The adoption of the Human Rights Declaration did not >stop violations of human rights. But it offered a reference point which >helped to reduce such violations. > >If we neglect or ignore this, the alternative will be that we are >moving backwards into the 19th Century or even worse, into the Middle Ages. > > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From genekimmelman at gmail.com Thu Mar 6 09:15:56 2014 From: genekimmelman at gmail.com (Gene Kimmelman) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2014 09:15:56 -0500 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Alternatives? In-Reply-To: <53187D85.7030003@wzb.eu> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> <53187D85.7030003@wzb.eu> Message-ID: +1 This back and forth has identified something very important for us to articulate clearly among ourselves: Even where we share the same goals, there will often be different approaches and strategies for achieving those goals. And in some instances we may have to part ways both philosophically and tactically. I believe Andrew and Wolfgang have described compelling pragmatic reasons to seek incremental improvements in a very flawed system. I am comfortable (despite whatever legitimate arguments have been made about the weaknesses in MSism) seeking to refine existing processes and creating new processes if necessary that BOTH expand the opportunities for civil society engagement with policymakers and the extremely strong corporate sector, AND facilitate civil society's opportunity to press for global action on the most important substantive policy issues we believe require policy intervention. That is why I am comfortable signing the Internet governance principles and Roadmap documents. To me, this is about pressing our case in the most effective manner available to us at this point in time. Like many others, I hope for a day in which we have more direct (and democratic) paths to promote our cause, but in the meantime I view the incremental opportunities as worthy of engagement, and certainly NOT detrimental to our long-term objectives. On Thu, Mar 6, 2014 at 8:52 AM, Jeanette Hofmann wrote: > + 1 to Stephanie and Wolfgang, > > jeanette > > Am 06.03.14 13:35, schrieb Stephanie Perrin: > >> I strongly support this statement. As someone who worked in government >> for 30 years in this field, I must say that it is a rare government >> delegation that volunteers to engage with civil society. I cannot imagine >> why civil society wants to abdicate the little power they have at this >> point, they are needed at this inflection point in Internet history to >> stand resolute in protecting human rights, privacy, and development. >> Stephanie Perrin >> On 2014-03-06, at 6:31 AM, Kleinwächter, Wolfgang wrote: >> >> >>> Andrew: >>> >>> Where I think we disagree is that I think you believe governments should >>> in the end, make the final decisions about the internet as they are the >>> sole source of legitimacy (please correct me if I misunderstand you). >>> >>> >>> Parminder >>> You do understand correctly. I believe that for global public policies >>> the final public policy decision has to be taken by governments. This is so >>> for policies in all area, whether climate change, health, trade, IP, or any >>> other. That is an imperfect system, but that is the best we got... We >>> should continually improve it, as various submissions from my organisation >>> has sought, and well, IGF is a great reform measure, to help, but not do, >>> policy making. >>> >>> >>> Wolfgang: >>> >>> The reality is - and will remain for a long future - that the 190+ >>> governments of the UN member states will be unable to agree and to reach >>> consensus. WCIT was in so far a watershed because it demonstrated that >>> there is no political will to agree on an the continuation of an already >>> existing (more technical) treaty with some amendements. The only thing you >>> will get out - if you follow Parminders advice - is "an agreement to >>> disagree" (as enhanced cooperation). >>> >>> With other words: If you continue with this established hierarchcial >>> system with intergovernmental treaties at the top, you will get nothing. >>> You will end up in endless political and ideological battles The most >>> restrictive government will determine where the "red line is". This will be >>> a blockade for the next 20 years of Internet development with no new >>> technical and economic innovations, growing restrictions for individual >>> rights and freedoms, slowing down social and economic development - in >>> particular in developing countries - reducing job opportunies and something >>> more. >>> >>> The only way to bypass this is - as it has proved the last 20 years - >>> the innovative bottom, transparent, accountable, open multistakeholder >>> policy development process where governments are just one (vey important) >>> stakeholder, but do not have a veto right and have to communicate, >>> coordinate and collaborate on an equal footing among themsleves and with >>> other stakeholders (which have to demonstrate their legitimacy) on an issue >>> by issue basis towards rough consensus. And you need more non-governmental >>> stakeholders from underprivilegd regions - in particular developing >>> countries - to balance (governmental and non-governmental) monopolies, >>> domination and capture. >>> >>> Study the IETF what rough consensus means. As long as the rough >>> consensus is based on an open standard, it can be always enhanced and >>> amended if new developments, (politcal) constellations and (social and >>> economic) oppotunties arrive. So it is never the last word. But it helps to >>> move (or stumble) forward to the benefit of the vast majority which is >>> represented by the (multistakeholder) rough consensus. >>> >>> The big chance of NetMundial is that there could be a multistakeholder >>> rough consensus around very high level, legally non binding general >>> principles (which would allow also some governments to make reservations in >>> line with the mechanisms which has been build into the Human Rights >>> Declarations with regad to Article 19 and Article 29) and to agree on a >>> multistakeholder road map which singles out issues of concern and gives a >>> direction how to approach them (this could include also timelines and the >>> launch of multistakeholder mechanisms like clearing houses, taks forces, >>> observatories etc.). >>> >>> But the very concrete public policy arrangements - from Privacy to >>> Security to Intellectual Property - will be made probably via bi-lateral or >>> regional arrangements negotiated in a multistakeholder environment. And the >>> outcome of this "Internet Governance Bilateralism" or "Internet Governance >>> Regionalism" will produce another set of conflicts because a bilateral >>> Chinese - Russian agreement on Internet Privacy would probably look rather >>> different from the EU Directive (with 28 member states) and the EU >>> Directive is also rather differerent from the US privacy approach. And also >>> Brazil, South Africa, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia (in particular the >>> governments) will keep their own positions. >>> >>> However, as long as you put this (very often historical and cultural >>> determined) conflicts into a broader set of principles you avoid an >>> escalation among the conflicting positions because at the end of the day >>> all the different groups feel polically (and morally) bound by those set of >>> principles, which will have the support not only by governments of the UN >>> member states but also by all the other non-governmental stakeholders. This >>> is a unique chance. It will not settle all problems and will not save the >>> world. But it is a step forward at the right moment and in the right >>> direction. The adoption of the Human Rights Declaration did not stop >>> violations of human rights. But it offered a reference point which helped >>> to reduce such violations. >>> >>> If we neglect or ignore this, the alternative will be that we are moving >>> backwards into the 19th Century or even worse, into the Middle Ages. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> ____________________________________________________________ >>> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >>> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >>> To be removed from the list, visit: >>> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >>> >>> For all other list information and functions, see: >>> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >>> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >>> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >>> >>> Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t >>> >> >> > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. > To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: > http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mshears at cdt.org Thu Mar 6 09:17:35 2014 From: mshears at cdt.org (Matthew Shears) Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 09:17:35 -0500 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Alternatives? In-Reply-To: References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> Message-ID: <5318837F.4020507@cdt.org> Thanks Wolfgang - very well articulated and reflective of the realities we face. Wolfgang: The reality is - and will remain for a long future - that the 190+ governments of the UN member states will be unable to agree and to reach consensus. WCIT was in so far a watershed because it demonstrated that there is no political will to agree on an the continuation of an already existing (more technical) treaty with some amendements. The only thing you will get out - if you follow Parminders advice - is "an agreement to disagree" (as enhanced cooperation). With other words: If you continue with this established hierarchcial system with intergovernmental treaties at the top, you will get nothing. You will end up in endless political and ideological battles The most restrictive government will determine where the "red line is". This will be a blockade for the next 20 years of Internet development with no new technical and economic innovations, growing restrictions for individual rights and freedoms, slowing down social and economic development - in particular in developing countries - reducing job opportunies and something more. The only way to bypass this is - as it has proved the last 20 years - the innovative bottom, transparent, accountable, open multistakeholder policy development process where governments are just one (vey important) stakeholder, but do not have a veto right and have to communicate, coordinate and collaborate on an equal footing among themsleves and with other stakeholders (which have to demonstrate their legitimacy) on an issue by issue basis towards rough consensus. And you need more non-governmental stakeholders from underprivilegd regions - in particular developing countries - to balance (governmental and non-governmental) monopolies, domination and capture. Study the IETF what rough consensus means. As long as the rough consensus is based on an open standard, it can be always enhanced and amended if new developments, (politcal) constellations and (social and economic) oppotunties arrive. So it is never the last word. But it helps to move (or stumble) forward to the benefit of the vast majority which is represented by the (multistakeholder) rough consensus. The big chance of NetMundial is that there could be a multistakeholder rough consensus around very high level, legally non binding general principles (which would allow also some governments to make reservations in line with the mechanisms which has been build into the Human Rights Declarations with regad to Article 19 and Article 29) and to agree on a multistakeholder road map which singles out issues of concern and gives a direction how to approach them (this could include also timelines and the launch of multistakeholder mechanisms like clearing houses, taks forces, observatories etc.). But the very concrete public policy arrangements - from Privacy to Security to Intellectual Property - will be made probably via bi-lateral or regional arrangements negotiated in a multistakeholder environment. And the outcome of this "Internet Governance Bilateralism" or "Internet Governance Regionalism" will produce another set of conflicts because a bilateral Chinese - Russian agreement on Internet Privacy would probably look rather different from the EU Directive (with 28 member states) and the EU Directive is also rather differerent from the US privacy approach. And also Brazil, South Africa, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia (in particular the governments) will keep their own positions. However, as long as you put this (very often historical and cultural determined) conflicts into a broader set of principles you avoid an escalation among the conflicting positions because at the end of the day all the different groups feel polically (and morally) bound by those set of principles, which will have the support not only by governments of the UN member states but also by all the other non-governmental stakeholders. This is a unique chance. It will not settle all problems and will not save the world. But it is a step forward at the right moment and in the right direction. The adoption of the Human Rights Declaration did not stop violations of human rights. But it offered a reference point which helped to reduce such violations. If we neglect or ignore this, the alternative will be that we are moving backwards into the 19th Century or even worse, into the Middle Ages. ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: governance at lists.igcaucus.org To be removed from the list, visit: http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing For all other list information and functions, see: http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: http://www.igcaucus.org/ Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t -- Matthew Shears Director - Global Internet Policy and Human Rights Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) mshears at cdt.org + 44 771 247 2987 From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Thu Mar 6 09:26:58 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina Rossini) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2014 06:26:58 -0800 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Alternatives? In-Reply-To: References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> <53187D85.7030003@wzb.eu> Message-ID: + 1 on Gene But I also see that what is happening here is something "normal" taking into consideration the state we are within the debates of "openness" and "participation" even in business and law theories this debate has been emerging - if you look into theories of open innovation (Cherbrough), user driven innovation (Von Hippel) or crowdsource innovation (Lakhani > free software and Benkler > free culture and peer innovation), and design for generative results (Zittrain). It was actually to see ICANN bringing a bunch of these names for their advisory panel on their strategic planning. That actually made me optimist on devising actual process of open and broad participation. I do believe, however, that as civil society our role is to aim for something bold and innovative, that is as inclusive as possible, but since I am a very practical person, I look for models that have been showing some success. Those scholars have mapped tons...and maybe some of us could look and abstract proposals from those to set up multistakeholderism processes. I also agree we should always aim at open standards - which for me have a intrinsically interoperability characteristic. Let's be bold folks, but with practical propositions :-) C On Thu, Mar 6, 2014 at 6:15 AM, Gene Kimmelman wrote: > +1 > > This back and forth has identified something very important for us to > articulate clearly among ourselves: Even where we share the same goals, > there will often be different approaches and strategies for achieving those > goals. And in some instances we may have to part ways both philosophically > and tactically. I believe Andrew and Wolfgang have described compelling > pragmatic reasons to seek incremental improvements in a very flawed system. > I am comfortable (despite whatever legitimate arguments have been made > about the weaknesses in MSism) seeking to refine existing processes and > creating new processes if necessary that BOTH expand the opportunities for > civil society engagement with policymakers and the extremely strong > corporate sector, AND facilitate civil society's opportunity to press for > global action on the most important substantive policy issues we believe > require policy intervention. That is why I am comfortable signing the > Internet governance principles and Roadmap documents. To me, this is about > pressing our case in the most effective manner available to us at this > point in time. Like many others, I hope for a day in which we have more > direct (and democratic) paths to promote our cause, but in the meantime I > view the incremental opportunities as worthy of engagement, and certainly > NOT detrimental to our long-term objectives. > > > On Thu, Mar 6, 2014 at 8:52 AM, Jeanette Hofmann wrote: > >> + 1 to Stephanie and Wolfgang, >> >> jeanette >> >> Am 06.03.14 13:35, schrieb Stephanie Perrin: >> >>> I strongly support this statement. As someone who worked in government >>> for 30 years in this field, I must say that it is a rare government >>> delegation that volunteers to engage with civil society. I cannot imagine >>> why civil society wants to abdicate the little power they have at this >>> point, they are needed at this inflection point in Internet history to >>> stand resolute in protecting human rights, privacy, and development. >>> Stephanie Perrin >>> On 2014-03-06, at 6:31 AM, Kleinwächter, Wolfgang wrote: >>> >>> >>>> Andrew: >>>> >>>> Where I think we disagree is that I think you believe governments >>>> should in the end, make the final decisions about the internet as they are >>>> the sole source of legitimacy (please correct me if I misunderstand you). >>>> >>>> >>>> Parminder >>>> You do understand correctly. I believe that for global public policies >>>> the final public policy decision has to be taken by governments. This is so >>>> for policies in all area, whether climate change, health, trade, IP, or any >>>> other. That is an imperfect system, but that is the best we got... We >>>> should continually improve it, as various submissions from my organisation >>>> has sought, and well, IGF is a great reform measure, to help, but not do, >>>> policy making. >>>> >>>> >>>> Wolfgang: >>>> >>>> The reality is - and will remain for a long future - that the 190+ >>>> governments of the UN member states will be unable to agree and to reach >>>> consensus. WCIT was in so far a watershed because it demonstrated that >>>> there is no political will to agree on an the continuation of an already >>>> existing (more technical) treaty with some amendements. The only thing you >>>> will get out - if you follow Parminders advice - is "an agreement to >>>> disagree" (as enhanced cooperation). >>>> >>>> With other words: If you continue with this established hierarchcial >>>> system with intergovernmental treaties at the top, you will get nothing. >>>> You will end up in endless political and ideological battles The most >>>> restrictive government will determine where the "red line is". This will be >>>> a blockade for the next 20 years of Internet development with no new >>>> technical and economic innovations, growing restrictions for individual >>>> rights and freedoms, slowing down social and economic development - in >>>> particular in developing countries - reducing job opportunies and something >>>> more. >>>> >>>> The only way to bypass this is - as it has proved the last 20 years - >>>> the innovative bottom, transparent, accountable, open multistakeholder >>>> policy development process where governments are just one (vey important) >>>> stakeholder, but do not have a veto right and have to communicate, >>>> coordinate and collaborate on an equal footing among themsleves and with >>>> other stakeholders (which have to demonstrate their legitimacy) on an issue >>>> by issue basis towards rough consensus. And you need more non-governmental >>>> stakeholders from underprivilegd regions - in particular developing >>>> countries - to balance (governmental and non-governmental) monopolies, >>>> domination and capture. >>>> >>>> Study the IETF what rough consensus means. As long as the rough >>>> consensus is based on an open standard, it can be always enhanced and >>>> amended if new developments, (politcal) constellations and (social and >>>> economic) oppotunties arrive. So it is never the last word. But it helps to >>>> move (or stumble) forward to the benefit of the vast majority which is >>>> represented by the (multistakeholder) rough consensus. >>>> >>>> The big chance of NetMundial is that there could be a multistakeholder >>>> rough consensus around very high level, legally non binding general >>>> principles (which would allow also some governments to make reservations in >>>> line with the mechanisms which has been build into the Human Rights >>>> Declarations with regad to Article 19 and Article 29) and to agree on a >>>> multistakeholder road map which singles out issues of concern and gives a >>>> direction how to approach them (this could include also timelines and the >>>> launch of multistakeholder mechanisms like clearing houses, taks forces, >>>> observatories etc.). >>>> >>>> But the very concrete public policy arrangements - from Privacy to >>>> Security to Intellectual Property - will be made probably via bi-lateral or >>>> regional arrangements negotiated in a multistakeholder environment. And the >>>> outcome of this "Internet Governance Bilateralism" or "Internet Governance >>>> Regionalism" will produce another set of conflicts because a bilateral >>>> Chinese - Russian agreement on Internet Privacy would probably look rather >>>> different from the EU Directive (with 28 member states) and the EU >>>> Directive is also rather differerent from the US privacy approach. And also >>>> Brazil, South Africa, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia (in particular the >>>> governments) will keep their own positions. >>>> >>>> However, as long as you put this (very often historical and cultural >>>> determined) conflicts into a broader set of principles you avoid an >>>> escalation among the conflicting positions because at the end of the day >>>> all the different groups feel polically (and morally) bound by those set of >>>> principles, which will have the support not only by governments of the UN >>>> member states but also by all the other non-governmental stakeholders. This >>>> is a unique chance. It will not settle all problems and will not save the >>>> world. But it is a step forward at the right moment and in the right >>>> direction. The adoption of the Human Rights Declaration did not stop >>>> violations of human rights. But it offered a reference point which helped >>>> to reduce such violations. >>>> >>>> If we neglect or ignore this, the alternative will be that we are >>>> moving backwards into the 19th Century or even worse, into the Middle Ages. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> ____________________________________________________________ >>>> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >>>> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >>>> To be removed from the list, visit: >>>> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >>>> >>>> For all other list information and functions, see: >>>> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >>>> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >>>> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >>>> >>>> Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t >>>> >>> >>> >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. >> To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: >> http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits >> > > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. > To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: > http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits > -- *Carolina Rossini* *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* Open Technology Institute *New America Foundation* // http://carolinarossini.net/ + 1 6176979389 *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* skype: carolrossini @carolinarossini -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gurstein at gmail.com Thu Mar 6 10:13:56 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2014 07:13:56 -0800 Subject: [bestbits] RE: Alternatives? In-Reply-To: References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> <0d0b01cf3944$7f406640$7dc132c0$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <0d5e01cf394e$b2733240$175996c0$@gmail.com> For those out there who might not be catching Andrew’s drift behind the buzz word barrage and portensious evoking of the Cold War (us guys with white hats and those guys with black hats) let me de-construct his various communications… AP: And I fail to see how a hierarchical state based system of decision making – which is the alternative being proposed – answers your questions or as I prefer to think of it - offers me any sees of how my interests as a user will be taken care off. That to me is the important question MG: “a hierarchical state based system of decision making” popularly known to most of the world as “democracy” MG: “my interests as a user will be taken care off” otherwise intelligible as “my interests as a privileged white Developed Country male living under the benign and enabling gaze of the GCHQ” AP: The kind of governments wanting to assert “state sovereignty” over the internet, to use Russia’s phrase, have no interest in my concerns whereas most civil society groups that I have see active in this space do. So I’d like to see them at the table MG: “governments wanting to assert “state sovereignty” over the internet” i.e. everybody who doesn’t buy into my cuckoo cloud land ideal state of totally benign, selfless and public spirited “multi-stakeholders”—such as Internet tax dodgers Amazon and Google, technical community stakeholders like the NSA, various Google greenwashing NGO’s such as…,etc.etc. AP: There¹s clearly two views emerging in civil society on IG - a one based on an established hierarchical system among states and the other - as said below - an innovative bottom, transparent, accountable, open multistakeholder policy development process where governments are just one (vey important) stakeholder, but do not have a veto rights MG: “established hierarchical system among states” namely the UN and associated multilateral bodies where the writ of King Silicon Valley and the Internet Freedom crusaders has only partial sway i.e. the place where even the little people have a chance to be heard MG: “innovative” – innovation for who and whose benefit http://gurstein.wordpress.com/2010/08/02/silicon-valleys-to-community-informatics-neighbourhoods/ MG: “bottom (up)” – the point of my questions – I don’t see any bottom up processes—a lot of networking of the already networked http://www.worldsummit2003.de/en/web/847.htm and http://gurstein.wordpress.com/2013/10/23/if-multistakeholderism-had-prevailed-in-the-late-19thearly-20th-century-would-women-have-the-vote-would-we-still-have-slavery/ MG: “transparent” and ” accountable” hmmm http://gurstein.wordpress.com/2013/03/20/multistakeholderism-vs-democracy-my-adventures-in-stakeholderland/ MG: “open” – open for who and in whose benefit http://gurstein.wordpress.com/2011/07/06/%E2%80%9Copen%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%93-%E2%80%9Cnecessary%E2%80%9D-but-not-%E2%80%9Csufficient%E2%80%9D/ And in case anyone was wondering http://gurstein.wordpress.com/2013/03/21/in-defense-of-multistakeholder-processes/ M M From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2014 6:13 AM To: michael gurstein; '"Kleinwächter, Wolfgang"'; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'parminder'; 'Jeremy Malcolm' Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: Alternatives? And I fail to see how a hierarchical state based system of decision making – which is the alternative being proposed – answers your questions or as I prefer to think of it - offers me any sees of how my interests as a user will be taken care off. That to me is the important question The kind of governments wanting to assert “state sovereignty” over the internet, to use Russia’s phrase, have no interest in my concerns whereas most civil society groups that I have see active in this space do. So I’d like to see them at the table From: michael gurstein Date: Thursday, 6 March 2014 14:00 To: andrew Puddephatt , "'\"Kleinwächter", "governance at lists.igcaucus.org" , "parminder at itforchange.net" , Jeremy Malcolm Cc: " >" Subject: RE: Alternatives? Andrew, I fail to see how Wolfgang's discussion of MSism as an ideal type (using the narrowly technical issues addressed by the IETF as his example) addresses any of the reality based questions that I posed. Perhaps you (or Wolfgang or others) could either indicate how Wolfgang's comments do address my questions or respond to them yourself. As a reminder I'm copying them in below... Reading your contribution I’m left with more questions than answers I’m afraid.. 1. What are the details for the formation/determination of “stakeholders”—do they pursue their interests/stakes or do they pursue the public good a. How are divergent interests/conflicts within stakeholder groups handled b. Is this transparent c. What are the accountability mechanisms here d. Who/how is “legitimacy” accorded/denied—by what authority e. Who gives legitimacy to the legitimizers 2. Decision making processes—i.e. how are divergent interests/conflicts between stakeholders handled a. who gets to deny consensus and how can we be at all certain that the result is in the public interest— b. can/should those with specific private interests be in a position to deny consensus/force consensus on their terms (Parminder’s point about the private sector being equal with governments in making decisions) c. Is there an artificial drive to a forced consensus d. Can private interests drive decisions and what is to prevent this e. Is there such a thing as “conflict of interest”—who is responsible for this—how is it policed, sanctions 3. How to ensure true diversity of opinion including among those who challenge the way in which the issues are framed—diversity of “identity” is relatively easy, normative diversity is rather more difficult to achieve and handle 4. How is the very real danger of capture guarded against 5. What would be the process of deepening participation/consultation Without dealing with the above and associated reality based questions you and the other MSist advocates are expecting folks to buy a pig in a poke… alright perhaps for some – the powerful and the networked but dangerous indeed for everyone else. M -----Original Message----- From: Andrew Puddephatt [mailto:Andrew at gp-digital.org] Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2014 5:47 AM To: "Kleinwächter, Wolfgang"; governance at lists.igcaucus.org; parminder; michael gurstein; Jeremy Malcolm Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: Alternatives? I think Wolfgang expresses my view of the issues very well and I don¹t think I can add to it. There¹s clearly two views emerging in civil society on IG - a one based on an established hierarchical system among states and the other - as said below - an innovative bottom, transparent, accountable, open multistakeholder policy development process where governments are just one (vey important) stakeholder, but do not have a veto rights Let¹s now see whose case is more persuasive On 06/03/2014 11:31, ""Kleinwächter, Wolfgang"" < wolfgang.kleinwaechter at medienkomm.uni-halle.de> wrote: > >Andrew: > >Where I think we disagree is that I think you believe governments >should in the end, make the final decisions about the internet as they >are the sole source of legitimacy (please correct me if I misunderstand you). > > >Parminder >You do understand correctly. I believe that for global public policies >the final public policy decision has to be taken by governments. This >is so for policies in all area, whether climate change, health, trade, >IP, or any other. That is an imperfect system, but that is the best we got... >We should continually improve it, as various submissions from my >organisation has sought, and well, IGF is a great reform measure, to >help, but not do, policy making. > > >Wolfgang: > >The reality is - and will remain for a long future - that the 190+ >governments of the UN member states will be unable to agree and to >reach consensus. WCIT was in so far a watershed because it demonstrated >that there is no political will to agree on an the continuation of an >already existing (more technical) treaty with some amendements. The >only thing you will get out - if you follow Parminders advice - is "an >agreement to disagree" (as enhanced cooperation). > >With other words: If you continue with this established hierarchcial >system with intergovernmental treaties at the top, you will get nothing. >You will end up in endless political and ideological battles The most >restrictive government will determine where the "red line is". This >will be a blockade for the next 20 years of Internet development with >no new technical and economic innovations, growing restrictions for >individual rights and freedoms, slowing down social and economic >development - in particular in developing countries - reducing job >opportunies and something more. > >The only way to bypass this is - as it has proved the last 20 years - >the innovative bottom, transparent, accountable, open multistakeholder >policy development process where governments are just one (vey >important) stakeholder, but do not have a veto right and have to >communicate, coordinate and collaborate on an equal footing among >themsleves and with other stakeholders (which have to demonstrate their >legitimacy) on an issue by issue basis towards rough consensus. And you >need more non-governmental stakeholders from underprivilegd regions - >in particular developing countries - to balance (governmental and >non-governmental) monopolies, domination and capture. > >Study the IETF what rough consensus means. As long as the rough >consensus is based on an open standard, it can be always enhanced and >amended if new developments, (politcal) constellations and (social and >economic) oppotunties arrive. So it is never the last word. But it >helps to move (or stumble) forward to the benefit of the vast majority >which is represented by the (multistakeholder) rough consensus. > >The big chance of NetMundial is that there could be a multistakeholder >rough consensus around very high level, legally non binding general >principles (which would allow also some governments to make >reservations in line with the mechanisms which has been build into the >Human Rights Declarations with regad to Article 19 and Article 29) and >to agree on a multistakeholder road map which singles out issues of >concern and gives a direction how to approach them (this could include >also timelines and the launch of multistakeholder mechanisms like >clearing houses, taks forces, observatories etc.). > >But the very concrete public policy arrangements - from Privacy to >Security to Intellectual Property - will be made probably via >bi-lateral or regional arrangements negotiated in a multistakeholder environment. >And the outcome of this "Internet Governance Bilateralism" or "Internet >Governance Regionalism" will produce another set of conflicts because a >bilateral Chinese - Russian agreement on Internet Privacy would >probably look rather different from the EU Directive (with 28 member >states) and the EU Directive is also rather differerent from the US privacy approach. >And also Brazil, South Africa, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia (in particular >the governments) will keep their own positions. > >However, as long as you put this (very often historical and cultural >determined) conflicts into a broader set of principles you avoid an >escalation among the conflicting positions because at the end of the >day all the different groups feel polically (and morally) bound by >those set of principles, which will have the support not only by >governments of the UN member states but also by all the other non-governmental stakeholders. >This is a unique chance. It will not settle all problems and will not >save the world. But it is a step forward at the right moment and in the >right direction. The adoption of the Human Rights Declaration did not >stop violations of human rights. But it offered a reference point which >helped to reduce such violations. > >If we neglect or ignore this, the alternative will be that we are >moving backwards into the 19th Century or even worse, into the Middle Ages. > > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au Thu Mar 6 11:23:33 2014 From: Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au (Jeremy Malcolm) Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2014 00:23:33 +0800 Subject: [bestbits] Personal submission to NETmundial 2014 Message-ID: <1757E0A6-D02E-4A6A-9F2D-4A755715BD23@Malcolm.id.au> Below is my personal submission to NETmundial 2014 on "Roadmap for the Further Evolution of the Internet Governance Ecosystem", which builds on the Best Bits joint submission, but takes a different direction on some points. The bottom line is that I advocate for a rather stronger role for the IGF than we ended up doing in the joint submission (for which there was disagreement over whether the CSTD or IGF was the better choice): http://igfwatch.org/discussion-board/netmundial-2014-submission-on-evolution-of-the-internet-governance-ecosystem -- Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 204 bytes Desc: Message signed with OpenPGP using GPGMail URL: From gurstein at gmail.com Thu Mar 6 11:47:04 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2014 08:47:04 -0800 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Alternatives? In-Reply-To: References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> <53187D85.7030003@wzb.eu> Message-ID: <0df201cf395b$b4d1a8c0$1e74fa40$@gmail.com> I’m still waiting for a rationale for replacing an admittedly flawed system (democracy) but one where there is at least a track record, very considerable theoretical development, an enormous ecology concerning Transparency and Accountability with a pig in a poke (multistakeholderism) which has no (applicable) track record, absolutely no theoretical development or underpinnings, and whose only ecology is highly questionable since it suffers from, shall we say, significant transparency and accountability “deficits”. The only justification that seems to be presented is impatience with existing processes by various highly questionable actors—tax dodging private sector giants, an (as yet we are not sure how deeply subverted) tech community and a bunch of corporate sponsored CS organizations. Not only this but the proposed system is such as to give an explicit veto over (“consensus based”) public policy outputs to those self-same private sector giants etc. etc. If folks are serious about finding useful ways forward then spending time thinking about how to achieve useful reforms of existing democratic processes/developing MS processes that enhance and deepen democratic participation in the very complex and rapidly changing tech environment would seem to me to be the way to go, unless of course there are other reasons for discarding democracy which we aren’t being made aware of. (That the US presentation re: Internet Governance to NetMundial evokes MSism 12 times and fails to mention democracy even once should give various of those party to this discussion some cause for reflection.) M From: bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net [mailto:bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net] On Behalf Of Gene Kimmelman Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2014 6:16 AM To: Jeanette Hofmann Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net> governance at lists.igcaucus.org Subject: Re: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Alternatives? +1 This back and forth has identified something very important for us to articulate clearly among ourselves: Even where we share the same goals, there will often be different approaches and strategies for achieving those goals. And in some instances we may have to part ways both philosophically and tactically. I believe Andrew and Wolfgang have described compelling pragmatic reasons to seek incremental improvements in a very flawed system. I am comfortable (despite whatever legitimate arguments have been made about the weaknesses in MSism) seeking to refine existing processes and creating new processes if necessary that BOTH expand the opportunities for civil society engagement with policymakers and the extremely strong corporate sector, AND facilitate civil society's opportunity to press for global action on the most important substantive policy issues we believe require policy intervention. That is why I am comfortable signing the Internet governance principles and Roadmap documents. To me, this is about pressing our case in the most effective manner available to us at this point in time. Like many others, I hope for a day in which we have more direct (and democratic) paths to promote our cause, but in the meantime I view the incremental opportunities as worthy of engagement, and certainly NOT detrimental to our long-term objectives. On Thu, Mar 6, 2014 at 8:52 AM, Jeanette Hofmann wrote: + 1 to Stephanie and Wolfgang, jeanette Am 06.03.14 13:35, schrieb Stephanie Perrin: I strongly support this statement. As someone who worked in government for 30 years in this field, I must say that it is a rare government delegation that volunteers to engage with civil society. I cannot imagine why civil society wants to abdicate the little power they have at this point, they are needed at this inflection point in Internet history to stand resolute in protecting human rights, privacy, and development. Stephanie Perrin On 2014-03-06, at 6:31 AM, Kleinwächter, Wolfgang wrote: Andrew: Where I think we disagree is that I think you believe governments should in the end, make the final decisions about the internet as they are the sole source of legitimacy (please correct me if I misunderstand you). Parminder You do understand correctly. I believe that for global public policies the final public policy decision has to be taken by governments. This is so for policies in all area, whether climate change, health, trade, IP, or any other. That is an imperfect system, but that is the best we got... We should continually improve it, as various submissions from my organisation has sought, and well, IGF is a great reform measure, to help, but not do, policy making. Wolfgang: The reality is - and will remain for a long future - that the 190+ governments of the UN member states will be unable to agree and to reach consensus. WCIT was in so far a watershed because it demonstrated that there is no political will to agree on an the continuation of an already existing (more technical) treaty with some amendements. The only thing you will get out - if you follow Parminders advice - is "an agreement to disagree" (as enhanced cooperation). With other words: If you continue with this established hierarchcial system with intergovernmental treaties at the top, you will get nothing. You will end up in endless political and ideological battles The most restrictive government will determine where the "red line is". This will be a blockade for the next 20 years of Internet development with no new technical and economic innovations, growing restrictions for individual rights and freedoms, slowing down social and economic development - in particular in developing countries - reducing job opportunies and something more. The only way to bypass this is - as it has proved the last 20 years - the innovative bottom, transparent, accountable, open multistakeholder policy development process where governments are just one (vey important) stakeholder, but do not have a veto right and have to communicate, coordinate and collaborate on an equal footing among themsleves and with other stakeholders (which have to demonstrate their legitimacy) on an issue by issue basis towards rough consensus. And you need more non-governmental stakeholders from underprivilegd regions - in particular developing countries - to balance (governmental and non-governmental) monopolies, domination and capture. Study the IETF what rough consensus means. As long as the rough consensus is based on an open standard, it can be always enhanced and amended if new developments, (politcal) constellations and (social and economic) oppotunties arrive. So it is never the last word. But it helps to move (or stumble) forward to the benefit of the vast majority which is represented by the (multistakeholder) rough consensus. The big chance of NetMundial is that there could be a multistakeholder rough consensus around very high level, legally non binding general principles (which would allow also some governments to make reservations in line with the mechanisms which has been build into the Human Rights Declarations with regad to Article 19 and Article 29) and to agree on a multistakeholder road map which singles out issues of concern and gives a direction how to approach them (this could include also timelines and the launch of multistakeholder mechanisms like clearing houses, taks forces, observatories etc.). But the very concrete public policy arrangements - from Privacy to Security to Intellectual Property - will be made probably via bi-lateral or regional arrangements negotiated in a multistakeholder environment. And the outcome of this "Internet Governance Bilateralism" or "Internet Governance Regionalism" will produce another set of conflicts because a bilateral Chinese - Russian agreement on Internet Privacy would probably look rather different from the EU Directive (with 28 member states) and the EU Directive is also rather differerent from the US privacy approach. And also Brazil, South Africa, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia (in particular the governments) will keep their own positions. However, as long as you put this (very often historical and cultural determined) conflicts into a broader set of principles you avoid an escalation among the conflicting positions because at the end of the day all the different groups feel polically (and morally) bound by those set of principles, which will have the support not only by governments of the UN member states but also by all the other non-governmental stakeholders. This is a unique chance. It will not settle all problems and will not save the world. But it is a step forward at the right moment and in the right direction. The adoption of the Human Rights Declaration did not stop violations of human rights. But it offered a reference point which helped to reduce such violations. If we neglect or ignore this, the alternative will be that we are moving backwards into the 19th Century or even worse, into the Middle Ages. ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: governance at lists.igcaucus.org To be removed from the list, visit: http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing For all other list information and functions, see: http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: http://www.igcaucus.org/ Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jeanette at wzb.eu Thu Mar 6 12:01:34 2014 From: jeanette at wzb.eu (Jeanette Hofmann) Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 18:01:34 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Alternatives? In-Reply-To: <0df201cf395b$b4d1a8c0$1e74fa40$@gmail.com> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> <53187D85.7030003@wzb.eu> <0df201cf395b$b4d1a8c0$1e74fa40$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <86ba8e54-c4c7-4b7d-9b95-e8e5c6c110e3@email.android.com> How about democracy is supposed to be a national concept while we are dealing with transnational issues that involve public but also lots of private resources? Thus, this is not about replacing democracy but enhancing some of its principles to the transnational sphere. Actually an old idea that now has found another concrete case of application. Jeanette On 6 March 2014 17:47:04 CET, michael gurstein wrote: >I’m still waiting for a rationale for replacing an admittedly flawed >system >(democracy) but one where there is at least a track record, very >considerable theoretical development, an enormous ecology concerning >Transparency and Accountability with a pig in a poke >(multistakeholderism) >which has no (applicable) track record, absolutely no theoretical >development or underpinnings, and whose only ecology is highly >questionable >since it suffers from, shall we say, significant transparency and >accountability “deficits”. > > > >The only justification that seems to be presented is impatience with >existing processes by various highly questionable actors—tax dodging >private >sector giants, an (as yet we are not sure how deeply subverted) tech >community and a bunch of corporate sponsored CS organizations. Not only >this >but the proposed system is such as to give an explicit veto over >(“consensus >based”) public policy outputs to those self-same private sector giants >etc. >etc. > > > >If folks are serious about finding useful ways forward then spending >time >thinking about how to achieve useful reforms of existing democratic >processes/developing MS processes that enhance and deepen democratic >participation in the very complex and rapidly changing tech environment >would seem to me to be the way to go, unless of course there are other >reasons for discarding democracy which we aren’t being made aware of. >(That >the US presentation re: Internet Governance to NetMundial evokes MSism >12 >times and fails to mention democracy even once should give various of >those >party to this discussion some cause for reflection.) > > > >M > > > >From: bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net >[mailto:bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net] On Behalf Of Gene >Kimmelman >Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2014 6:16 AM >To: Jeanette Hofmann >Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >Subject: Re: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Alternatives? > > > >+1 > > > >This back and forth has identified something very important for us to >articulate clearly among ourselves: Even where we share the same >goals, >there will often be different approaches and strategies for achieving >those >goals. And in some instances we may have to part ways both >philosophically >and tactically. I believe Andrew and Wolfgang have described >compelling >pragmatic reasons to seek incremental improvements in a very flawed >system. >I am comfortable (despite whatever legitimate arguments have been made >about >the weaknesses in MSism) seeking to refine existing processes and >creating >new processes if necessary that BOTH expand the opportunities for civil >society engagement with policymakers and the extremely strong corporate >sector, AND facilitate civil society's opportunity to press for global >action on the most important substantive policy issues we believe >require >policy intervention. That is why I am comfortable signing the Internet >governance principles and Roadmap documents. To me, this is about >pressing >our case in the most effective manner available to us at this point in >time. >Like many others, I hope for a day in which we have more direct (and >democratic) paths to promote our cause, but in the meantime I view the >incremental opportunities as worthy of engagement, and certainly NOT >detrimental to our long-term objectives. > > > >On Thu, Mar 6, 2014 at 8:52 AM, Jeanette Hofmann >wrote: > >+ 1 to Stephanie and Wolfgang, > >jeanette > >Am 06.03.14 13:35, schrieb Stephanie Perrin: > >I strongly support this statement. As someone who worked in government >for >30 years in this field, I must say that it is a rare government >delegation >that volunteers to engage with civil society. I cannot imagine why >civil >society wants to abdicate the little power they have at this point, >they are >needed at this inflection point in Internet history to stand resolute >in >protecting human rights, privacy, and development. >Stephanie Perrin >On 2014-03-06, at 6:31 AM, Kleinwächter, Wolfgang wrote: > > >Andrew: > >Where I think we disagree is that I think you believe governments >should in >the end, make the final decisions about the internet as they are the >sole >source of legitimacy (please correct me if I misunderstand you). > > >Parminder >You do understand correctly. I believe that for global public policies >the >final public policy decision has to be taken by governments. This is so >for >policies in all area, whether climate change, health, trade, IP, or any >other. That is an imperfect system, but that is the best we got... We >should >continually improve it, as various submissions from my organisation has >sought, and well, IGF is a great reform measure, to help, but not do, >policy >making. > > >Wolfgang: > >The reality is - and will remain for a long future - that the 190+ >governments of the UN member states will be unable to agree and to >reach >consensus. WCIT was in so far a watershed because it demonstrated that >there >is no political will to agree on an the continuation of an already >existing >(more technical) treaty with some amendements. The only thing you will >get >out - if you follow Parminders advice - is "an agreement to disagree" >(as >enhanced cooperation). > >With other words: If you continue with this established hierarchcial >system >with intergovernmental treaties at the top, you will get nothing. You >will >end up in endless political and ideological battles The most >restrictive >government will determine where the "red line is". This will be a >blockade >for the next 20 years of Internet development with no new technical and >economic innovations, growing restrictions for individual rights and >freedoms, slowing down social and economic development - in particular >in >developing countries - reducing job opportunies and something more. > >The only way to bypass this is - as it has proved the last 20 years - >the >innovative bottom, transparent, accountable, open multistakeholder >policy >development process where governments are just one (vey important) >stakeholder, but do not have a veto right and have to communicate, >coordinate and collaborate on an equal footing among themsleves and >with >other stakeholders (which have to demonstrate their legitimacy) on an >issue >by issue basis towards rough consensus. And you need more >non-governmental >stakeholders from underprivilegd regions - in particular developing >countries - to balance (governmental and non-governmental) monopolies, >domination and capture. > >Study the IETF what rough consensus means. As long as the rough >consensus is >based on an open standard, it can be always enhanced and amended if new >developments, (politcal) constellations and (social and economic) >oppotunties arrive. So it is never the last word. But it helps to move >(or >stumble) forward to the benefit of the vast majority which is >represented by >the (multistakeholder) rough consensus. > >The big chance of NetMundial is that there could be a multistakeholder >rough >consensus around very high level, legally non binding general >principles >(which would allow also some governments to make reservations in line >with >the mechanisms which has been build into the Human Rights Declarations >with >regad to Article 19 and Article 29) and to agree on a multistakeholder >road >map which singles out issues of concern and gives a direction how to >approach them (this could include also timelines and the launch of >multistakeholder mechanisms like clearing houses, taks forces, >observatories >etc.). > >But the very concrete public policy arrangements - from Privacy to >Security >to Intellectual Property - will be made probably via bi-lateral or >regional >arrangements negotiated in a multistakeholder environment. And the >outcome >of this "Internet Governance Bilateralism" or "Internet Governance >Regionalism" will produce another set of conflicts because a bilateral >Chinese - Russian agreement on Internet Privacy would probably look >rather >different from the EU Directive (with 28 member states) and the EU >Directive >is also rather differerent from the US privacy approach. And also >Brazil, >South Africa, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia (in particular the governments) >will >keep their own positions. > >However, as long as you put this (very often historical and cultural >determined) conflicts into a broader set of principles you avoid an >escalation among the conflicting positions because at the end of the >day all >the different groups feel polically (and morally) bound by those set of >principles, which will have the support not only by governments of the >UN >member states but also by all the other non-governmental stakeholders. >This >is a unique chance. It will not settle all problems and will not save >the >world. But it is a step forward at the right moment and in the right >direction. The adoption of the Human Rights Declaration did not stop >violations of human rights. But it offered a reference point which >helped to >reduce such violations. > >If we neglect or ignore this, the alternative will be that we are >moving >backwards into the 19th Century or even worse, into the Middle Ages. > > > > >____________________________________________________________ >You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org >To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > >For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > >Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t > > > > >____________________________________________________________ >You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. >To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: > http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits > > -- Sent from my Android device with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity. From jc.nothias at theglobaljournal.net Thu Mar 6 12:32:22 2014 From: jc.nothias at theglobaljournal.net (Jean-Christophe NOTHIAS I The Global Journal) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2014 18:32:22 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Alternatives? In-Reply-To: <86ba8e54-c4c7-4b7d-9b95-e8e5c6c110e3@email.android.com> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> <53187D85.7030003@wzb.eu> <0df201cf395b$b4d1a8c0$1e74fa40$@gmail.com> <86ba8e54-c4c7-4b7d-9b95-e8e5c6c110e3@email.android.com> Message-ID: <1A236580-3BE4-4402-8076-282E43746895@theglobaljournal.net> Where the hell have you got that idea that Democracy was geographically rooted to land and borders. It reminds me an argument by Avri saying that outside of its territory a country was losing its sovereignty, and therefore no Democracy could have a say outside of its territory... Many people on that list are just wondering what are these arguments all about. Democracy is primarily a concept of governance, and has no geographical limitation at its philosophical inception. Anyone is free to think Democracy, its values, its principal out of any territory. You forget the original meaning: Democracy is firstly about DEMOS (People!). Then you look at where all of them 'belong' and established appropriate mechanisms in order to exercise Democratic principles, accepted by these people. Democracy does not equate sovereignty. Any middle age kingdom had its sovereignty. But, sorry again to denounce the fancy arguments made by Avri et al, international law has often been brought to many countries, by Democracies. International law is therefore very often the fruit of Democratic values and initiative long supported by Democracies. They do have to fight the non Democracies to make them understand why this or that treaty would be good for them, or face the consequences. We know that. So Democratic values and principles are much more universal than your national argument suggest. No Democratic thinking outside the boundary of each sovereignty? The answer is crystal clear. Now, an even more serious concern raises out of your "Enhanced Democracy" bizarrerie. I know that we disagree over critical points about the future of Internet governance, and I cannot doubt your sincerity to consider yourself as a true Democrat (hopefully) but the walk you want us to walk reminds me many wrongs turns in History. When the fascists, nazis or totalitarians wanted to reject Democracy, they would either denounce it as a "non-working", "non-efficient" system, or they would sell an idea that their "model" would be the next best stage of Democracy. With representatives or spoke-persons so dedicated to the common good, that they could not failed the people. Fascism was first a progressive concept at the very beginning before turning to radicalism and intolerance. We know where this "I know what is good for you - it is too complex anyway for you to understand - has lead us from over times. So speaking of enhanced Democratic values or principles is always making a lot of people nervous. And I do understand that. Like them, I reject ideas of "enhanced Democracy". It is the apprenti-sorcier at his best. No, thanks for me. True Democracy is just fine. And it can perfectly be thought at whatever size and scale of people (Demos) you want to think. Le 6 mars 2014 à 18:01, Jeanette Hofmann a écrit : > How about democracy is supposed to be a national concept while we are dealing with transnational issues that involve public but also lots of private resources? Thus, this is not about replacing democracy but enhancing some of its principles to the transnational sphere. Actually an old idea that now has found another concrete case of application. > Jeanette > > On 6 March 2014 17:47:04 CET, michael gurstein wrote: >> I’m still waiting for a rationale for replacing an admittedly flawed >> system >> (democracy) but one where there is at least a track record, very >> considerable theoretical development, an enormous ecology concerning >> Transparency and Accountability with a pig in a poke >> (multistakeholderism) >> which has no (applicable) track record, absolutely no theoretical >> development or underpinnings, and whose only ecology is highly >> questionable >> since it suffers from, shall we say, significant transparency and >> accountability “deficits”. >> >> >> >> The only justification that seems to be presented is impatience with >> existing processes by various highly questionable actors—tax dodging >> private >> sector giants, an (as yet we are not sure how deeply subverted) tech >> community and a bunch of corporate sponsored CS organizations. Not only >> this >> but the proposed system is such as to give an explicit veto over >> (“consensus >> based”) public policy outputs to those self-same private sector giants >> etc. >> etc. >> >> >> >> If folks are serious about finding useful ways forward then spending >> time >> thinking about how to achieve useful reforms of existing democratic >> processes/developing MS processes that enhance and deepen democratic >> participation in the very complex and rapidly changing tech environment >> would seem to me to be the way to go, unless of course there are other >> reasons for discarding democracy which we aren’t being made aware of. >> (That >> the US presentation re: Internet Governance to NetMundial evokes MSism >> 12 >> times and fails to mention democracy even once should give various of >> those >> party to this discussion some cause for reflection.) >> >> >> >> M >> >> >> >> From: bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net >> [mailto:bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net] On Behalf Of Gene >> Kimmelman >> Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2014 6:16 AM >> To: Jeanette Hofmann >> Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> Subject: Re: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Alternatives? >> >> >> >> +1 >> >> >> >> This back and forth has identified something very important for us to >> articulate clearly among ourselves: Even where we share the same >> goals, >> there will often be different approaches and strategies for achieving >> those >> goals. And in some instances we may have to part ways both >> philosophically >> and tactically. I believe Andrew and Wolfgang have described >> compelling >> pragmatic reasons to seek incremental improvements in a very flawed >> system. >> I am comfortable (despite whatever legitimate arguments have been made >> about >> the weaknesses in MSism) seeking to refine existing processes and >> creating >> new processes if necessary that BOTH expand the opportunities for civil >> society engagement with policymakers and the extremely strong corporate >> sector, AND facilitate civil society's opportunity to press for global >> action on the most important substantive policy issues we believe >> require >> policy intervention. That is why I am comfortable signing the Internet >> governance principles and Roadmap documents. To me, this is about >> pressing >> our case in the most effective manner available to us at this point in >> time. >> Like many others, I hope for a day in which we have more direct (and >> democratic) paths to promote our cause, but in the meantime I view the >> incremental opportunities as worthy of engagement, and certainly NOT >> detrimental to our long-term objectives. >> >> >> >> On Thu, Mar 6, 2014 at 8:52 AM, Jeanette Hofmann >> wrote: >> >> + 1 to Stephanie and Wolfgang, >> >> jeanette >> >> Am 06.03.14 13:35, schrieb Stephanie Perrin: >> >> I strongly support this statement. As someone who worked in government >> for >> 30 years in this field, I must say that it is a rare government >> delegation >> that volunteers to engage with civil society. I cannot imagine why >> civil >> society wants to abdicate the little power they have at this point, >> they are >> needed at this inflection point in Internet history to stand resolute >> in >> protecting human rights, privacy, and development. >> Stephanie Perrin >> On 2014-03-06, at 6:31 AM, Kleinwächter, Wolfgang wrote: >> >> >> Andrew: >> >> Where I think we disagree is that I think you believe governments >> should in >> the end, make the final decisions about the internet as they are the >> sole >> source of legitimacy (please correct me if I misunderstand you). >> >> >> Parminder >> You do understand correctly. I believe that for global public policies >> the >> final public policy decision has to be taken by governments. This is so >> for >> policies in all area, whether climate change, health, trade, IP, or any >> other. That is an imperfect system, but that is the best we got... We >> should >> continually improve it, as various submissions from my organisation has >> sought, and well, IGF is a great reform measure, to help, but not do, >> policy >> making. >> >> >> Wolfgang: >> >> The reality is - and will remain for a long future - that the 190+ >> governments of the UN member states will be unable to agree and to >> reach >> consensus. WCIT was in so far a watershed because it demonstrated that >> there >> is no political will to agree on an the continuation of an already >> existing >> (more technical) treaty with some amendements. The only thing you will >> get >> out - if you follow Parminders advice - is "an agreement to disagree" >> (as >> enhanced cooperation). >> >> With other words: If you continue with this established hierarchcial >> system >> with intergovernmental treaties at the top, you will get nothing. You >> will >> end up in endless political and ideological battles The most >> restrictive >> government will determine where the "red line is". This will be a >> blockade >> for the next 20 years of Internet development with no new technical and >> economic innovations, growing restrictions for individual rights and >> freedoms, slowing down social and economic development - in particular >> in >> developing countries - reducing job opportunies and something more. >> >> The only way to bypass this is - as it has proved the last 20 years - >> the >> innovative bottom, transparent, accountable, open multistakeholder >> policy >> development process where governments are just one (vey important) >> stakeholder, but do not have a veto right and have to communicate, >> coordinate and collaborate on an equal footing among themsleves and >> with >> other stakeholders (which have to demonstrate their legitimacy) on an >> issue >> by issue basis towards rough consensus. And you need more >> non-governmental >> stakeholders from underprivilegd regions - in particular developing >> countries - to balance (governmental and non-governmental) monopolies, >> domination and capture. >> >> Study the IETF what rough consensus means. As long as the rough >> consensus is >> based on an open standard, it can be always enhanced and amended if new >> developments, (politcal) constellations and (social and economic) >> oppotunties arrive. So it is never the last word. But it helps to move >> (or >> stumble) forward to the benefit of the vast majority which is >> represented by >> the (multistakeholder) rough consensus. >> >> The big chance of NetMundial is that there could be a multistakeholder >> rough >> consensus around very high level, legally non binding general >> principles >> (which would allow also some governments to make reservations in line >> with >> the mechanisms which has been build into the Human Rights Declarations >> with >> regad to Article 19 and Article 29) and to agree on a multistakeholder >> road >> map which singles out issues of concern and gives a direction how to >> approach them (this could include also timelines and the launch of >> multistakeholder mechanisms like clearing houses, taks forces, >> observatories >> etc.). >> >> But the very concrete public policy arrangements - from Privacy to >> Security >> to Intellectual Property - will be made probably via bi-lateral or >> regional >> arrangements negotiated in a multistakeholder environment. And the >> outcome >> of this "Internet Governance Bilateralism" or "Internet Governance >> Regionalism" will produce another set of conflicts because a bilateral >> Chinese - Russian agreement on Internet Privacy would probably look >> rather >> different from the EU Directive (with 28 member states) and the EU >> Directive >> is also rather differerent from the US privacy approach. And also >> Brazil, >> South Africa, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia (in particular the governments) >> will >> keep their own positions. >> >> However, as long as you put this (very often historical and cultural >> determined) conflicts into a broader set of principles you avoid an >> escalation among the conflicting positions because at the end of the >> day all >> the different groups feel polically (and morally) bound by those set of >> principles, which will have the support not only by governments of the >> UN >> member states but also by all the other non-governmental stakeholders. >> This >> is a unique chance. It will not settle all problems and will not save >> the >> world. But it is a step forward at the right moment and in the right >> direction. The adoption of the Human Rights Declaration did not stop >> violations of human rights. But it offered a reference point which >> helped to >> reduce such violations. >> >> If we neglect or ignore this, the alternative will be that we are >> moving >> backwards into the 19th Century or even worse, into the Middle Ages. >> >> >> >> >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> To be removed from the list, visit: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >> >> For all other list information and functions, see: >> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >> >> Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t >> >> >> >> >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. >> To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: >> http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits >> >> > > -- > Sent from my Android device with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity. > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. > To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: > http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From avri at acm.org Thu Mar 6 12:50:59 2014 From: avri at acm.org (Avri Doria) Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 17:50:59 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Alternatives? In-Reply-To: <1A236580-3BE4-4402-8076-282E43746895@theglobaljournal.net> References: <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> <53187D85.7030003@wzb.eu> <0df201cf395b$b4d1a8c0$1e74fa40$@gmail.com> <86ba8e54-c4c7-4b7d-9b95-e8e5c6c110e3@email.andr oid.com> <1A236580-3BE4-4402-8076-282E43746895@theglobaljournal.net> Message-ID: <5318B583.30507@acm.org> On 06-Mar-14 17:32, Jean-Christophe NOTHIAS I The Global Journal wrote: > Avri saying that outside of its territory a country was losing its > sovereignty, and therefore no Democracy could have a say outside of > its territory... While I say that Sovereignty is limited to within borders, I did not say that democracy is limited to borders. It is not the nation that confers democracy. It is a right, and it is a right that most all countries have accepted by virtue of covenant, despite the variable ways in which they deliver on their promise. In fact I define the multistakeholder model of participatory democracy as one form of democracy that extends beyond the sovereign border. avri From nnenna75 at gmail.com Mon Mar 3 12:03:49 2014 From: nnenna75 at gmail.com (Nnenna Nwakanma) Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2014 17:03:49 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] CS Strategy meeting @ RightsCon - Google Hangout link Message-ID: Hi folks If your time allows, you can join the Civil Society strategy meeting at Rightscon. https://plus.google.com/hangouts/_/76cpjlj36lple8r8p65qob2e7o?hl=en AGENDA Part 1: Contributions (~1 hour) - Finalizing contributions for the Net Mundial meeting - Building consensus between various contributions - Strategizing on ways to build support for CS position among other stakeholders Part 2: Planning for NetMundial (~1 hour) - Brainstorming on media strategy, guiding the narrative on how this event is covered - Input on the agenda for the preparatory civil society meeting in São Paulo, and delivering a message to that meeting on behalf of those who won't be there Part 3: Looking beyond São Paulo, more precisely 2015+ (~1 hour) - Updates on WSIS+10, post-2015 development agenda, etc. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jc.nothias at theglobaljournal.net Thu Mar 6 13:12:53 2014 From: jc.nothias at theglobaljournal.net (Jean-Christophe NOTHIAS I The Global Journal) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2014 19:12:53 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Alternatives? In-Reply-To: <5318B583.30507@acm.org> References: <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> <53187D85.7030003@wzb.eu> <0df201cf395b$b4d1a8c0$1e74fa40$@gmail.com> <86ba8e54-c4c7-4b7d-9b95-e8e5c6c110e3@email.andr oid.com> <1A236580-3BE4-4402-8076-282E43746895@theglobaljournal.net> <5318B583.30507@acm.org> Message-ID: <1C8CB83D-F11F-4A88-A9DE-57379E839ECC@theglobaljournal.net> Avri, You did put that Sovereignty argument on the table, not to discuss sovereignty but to explain why Democracies were somehow disabled out of their boundaries. Democracy is not a right. It often starts with a fight, then with a constitution, then with hick-ups, then with cultural and political tradition, then it might turned down or survive depending not of rights but of people's willingness to preserve it. Democracy is therefore made out of a social contract, more than a right coming out of the blue. And a social contract is usually needed when the balance between social justice, or social injustice is way pending toward the latter. This is more or less what is happening now with Internet governance confiscated by a few, and it will change, in the same fashion as no one can stop the waves to come everyday beating the cliffs. Participatory Democracy has nothing to do with Multistakehoderism. MSism is a concept that came out of business Schools, and it will for ever keep that original bias. Come back to Democracy Avri, plain Democracy, and you will see a lot more accomplished than in 10 years of WSIS. To be fair to WSIS, I would say that MSism has been the major impeachment to any progress to WSIS, and to IGF to be as of today, THE venue where ideas and innovation would have emerged, was it not that empty MSism. JC Le 6 mars 2014 à 18:50, Avri Doria a écrit : > > > On 06-Mar-14 17:32, Jean-Christophe NOTHIAS I The Global Journal wrote: >> Avri saying that outside of its territory a country was losing its >> sovereignty, and therefore no Democracy could have a say outside of >> its territory... > > While I say that Sovereignty is limited to within borders, I did not say that democracy is limited to borders. > > It is not the nation that confers democracy. It is a right, and it is a right that most all countries have accepted by virtue of covenant, despite the variable ways in which they deliver on their promise. > > In fact I define the multistakeholder model of participatory democracy as one form of democracy that extends beyond the sovereign border. > > avri > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. > To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: > http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits From avri at acm.org Thu Mar 6 14:58:14 2014 From: avri at acm.org (Avri Doria) Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 19:58:14 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Alternatives? In-Reply-To: <1C8CB83D-F11F-4A88-A9DE-57379E839ECC@theglobaljournal.net> References: <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> <53187D85.7030003@wzb.eu> <0df201cf395b$b4d1a8c0$1e74fa40$@gmail.com> <86ba8e54-c4c7-4b7d-9b95-e8e5c6c110e3@email.andr oid.com> <1A236580-3BE4-4402-8076-282E43746895@theglobaljournal.net> <5318B583.30507@acm.org> <1C8CB83D-F11F-4A88-A9DE-57379E839ECC@theglobaljournal.net> Message-ID: <5318D356.2040506@acm.org> On 06-Mar-14 18:12, Jean-Christophe NOTHIAS I The Global Journal wrote: > Avri, > > You did put that Sovereignty argument on the table, not to discuss > sovereignty but to explain why Democracies were somehow disabled out > of their boundaries. > no. avri From Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au Thu Mar 6 19:29:01 2014 From: Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au (Jeremy Malcolm) Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2014 08:29:01 +0800 Subject: [bestbits] [governance] Alternatives? In-Reply-To: <86ba8e54-c4c7-4b7d-9b95-e8e5c6c110e3@email.android.com> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> <53187D85.7030003@wzb.eu> <0df201cf395b$b4d1a8c0$1e74fa40$@gmail.com> <86ba8e54-c4c7-4b7d-9b95-e8e5c6c110e3@email.android.com> Message-ID: On 7 Mar 2014, at 1:01 am, Jeanette Hofmann wrote: > How about democracy is supposed to be a national concept while we are dealing with transnational issues that involve public but also lots of private resources? Thus, this is not about replacing democracy but enhancing some of its principles to the transnational sphere. Actually an old idea that now has found another concrete case of application. Exactly. Avri also posted a good submission on this titled, aptly enough, "Multstakeholder model as a form of democracy", which is at http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/multstakeholder-model-as-a-form-of-democracy/117. My own personal submission at http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/an-extended-role-for-the-igf-in-filling-the-gaps-in-the-internet-governance-ecosystem/126 (the formatting has been a bit mangled, sorry) may also be of interest. I have resisted engaging in this back and forth, but does anyone else feel that Michael has already made his position quite clear and that it is no longer productive to continue berating others who don't happen to agree with him? -- Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 204 bytes Desc: Message signed with OpenPGP using GPGMail URL: From joy at apc.org Thu Mar 6 21:35:06 2014 From: joy at apc.org (joy) Date: Fri, 07 Mar 2014 15:35:06 +1300 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <5319305A.7040301@apc.org> Hi Parminder - you are correct, thank you, yes, the statement was developed on the Best Bits list for endorsement by those who choose to do so. I note that many examples of multi-stakeholder internet related public policy making have been made in submissions to the WGEC and elsewhere. There seems to be a rather circular argument as to whether these actually relate to public policy or not, depending on the definition of such. It is of course possible to endorse statements in part - that may be one option for those who object to particular aspects, but of course that is entirely up to them. Regards Joy On 7/03/2014 1:02 a.m., parminder wrote: > Joy > > You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. > > So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil society > statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold that non-gov > participants(which includes business)should be on the same footing as > gov participants in terms of actually /*making public *//*policies*//*. > > */Fine. There is no room for confusion now. > > I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. > > Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy making, > which arent there in the mentioned statement, or its accompanying > statements. > > parminder > > PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. And Joy > - or is it someone else from APC - is on the steering committee on > BB... I hope such mis-statements are avoided, and when pointed out > withdrawn. Thanks. > > /* > */ > On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: >> As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter the >> full quote in Theme 6.1 is: >> >> Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >> society and international organisations. No single government >> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >> internet governance. >> >> This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder processes >> are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and APC has been >> on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder processes: >> these are simply one form of democratic participation. To be fair, >> the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other documents and says, >> taken together, certain principles relevant to internet governance >> can be deduced and should be taken forward into NetMundial, including >> human rights. >> >> I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 >> recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. >> >> It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing the >> Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: >> a) governments alone make public policy including some which is >> relevant to internet governance >> b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other when >> doing so; and >> c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and therefore >> should not be on an equal footing with governments this role (though >> they can of course be involved/consulted) . >> >> Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines that >> a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public policy >> which is relevant to internet governance >> b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing or >> parity with each other when doing so; >> >> Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission which >> simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles >> NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder participation >> and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. >> >> >> Joy >> Joy >> On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: >>> Dear all >>> >>> Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and the >>> use of 'multilateral'. >>> >>> The full text in Theme 6.1 is: >>> >>> "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with the >>> full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society >>> and international organisations. No single government should have a >>> pre-eminent role in relation to international internet governance." >>> >>> When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its dictionary >>> sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties and multiple >>> countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. >>> >>> In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic defines >>> how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of >>> governments, the private sector, civil society and international >>> organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent role >>> in relation to international internet governance." >>> >>> Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the term >>> multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as meaning >>> "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest that. But >>> we certainly did mean that governments should be involved, and that >>> no one government should dominate - but in the context of the >>> involvement of other stakeholders too. >>> >>> Best >>> >>> Anriette >>> >>> >>> On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >>>> >>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>>>> >>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>>>> > wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's >>>>>>> behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with >>>>>>> respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies >>>>>>> that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at all >>>>>>> points in the decision-making process." Well of course. Two >>>>>>> hoots to democracy! >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>>>>>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>>>>>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... >>>>>>> BUT... >>>>>>> /* >>>>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>>>>> multistakeholder participation"*/ and whether it is different >>>>>>> from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. If >>>>>>> so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all >>>>>>> stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and role >>>>>>> (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. Please >>>>>>> address this point specifically. >>>>>> >>>>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of >>>>>> this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can >>>>>> read for yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At >>>>>> various times it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it >>>>>> became "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, to >>>>>> accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about how >>>>>> equal the stakeholder roles should be. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and non-democracy. >>>>> >>>>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in >>>>> /*decision making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and non >>>>> gov actors.... >>>> >>>> >>>> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that this >>>> CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not >>>> multistakeholder governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >>>> >>>> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to multilateral >>>> democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet governanceshould be >>>> multilateral and democratic. " >>>> >>>> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this >>>> present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - >>>> does not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the >>>> principle inspirations. >>>> >>>> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also >>>> quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, CoE >>>> principles, and G 8 principles.... >>>> >>>> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >>>> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term >>>> either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much >>>> subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >>>> >>>> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil >>>> society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >>>> >>>> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in >>>> this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance >>>> characteristics" you could think only of " openness, transparency, >>>> inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable multistakeholder >>>> participation */" (emphasis added) >>>> >>>> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the >>>> word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur to >>>> someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the >>>> group.... Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for me >>>> to stay away from this doc. >>>> >>>> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not to >>>> get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the thin >>>> end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave new post >>>> democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream of.... It >>>> is a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed to be the >>>> Trojan Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib order. >>>> >>>> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like equitable >>>> multistakeholder participation (further explained in the emerging >>>> contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the survey) are getting >>>> introduced as basis of our governance. And see how exactly it >>>> matches what some of us predicted is the prime objective at present >>>> of the US supported status quoists to get into the text of the >>>> outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. >>>> >>>> parminder >>>> >>>> >>>>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got >>>>> taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most >>>>> important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this >>>>> point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key >>>>> point, and not skirt it... >>>>> >>>>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >>>>> submission to NetMundial >>>>> >>>>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of the >>>>> people, possess public authority including internet-related public >>>>> policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for >>>>> legitimacy and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to respect >>>>> and protect human rights, ensure that the rule of law is respected >>>>> and that relevant national legislation complies with their >>>>> obligations under international law. Moreover, they need to ensure >>>>> that the appropriate basic conditions both in terms of >>>>> cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. Civil >>>>> society serves, and should continue to do so, as a facilitator and >>>>> notably as a source of empowerment and credibility, especially at >>>>> community level. The private sector and particularly the technical >>>>> community significantly influence and encourage the development, >>>>> distribution and accessibility of the internet, and should >>>>> continue to do so. In order to fully live up to the potentials for >>>>> economic growth, innovation, freedom of expression, access to >>>>> information and ideas and democratic participation in a knowledge >>>>> society, all stakeholders involved need to work together." >>>>> >>>>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>>>> >>>>> parminder >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com >>>>>> Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek >>>>>> host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org >>>>>> |awk -F! '{print $3}' >>>>>> >>>>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >>>>>> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, >>>>>> see http://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>> >>> -- >>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>> anriette esterhuysen anriette at apc.org >>> executive director, association for progressive communications >>> www.apc.org >>> po box 29755, melville 2109 >>> south africa >>> tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >> > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: joy.vcf Type: text/x-vcard Size: 239 bytes Desc: not available URL: From mctimconsulting at gmail.com Thu Mar 6 23:32:41 2014 From: mctimconsulting at gmail.com (McTim) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2014 23:32:41 -0500 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Alternatives? In-Reply-To: <1C8CB83D-F11F-4A88-A9DE-57379E839ECC@theglobaljournal.net> References: <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <18E85667-1547-4ABA-9CF9-B24D69C9DC19@Malcolm.id.au> <09f301cf38ce$b2611900$17234b00$@gmail.com> <0a9f01cf38e7$db80dcd0$92829670$@gmail.com> <0aec01cf38f0$e5c76430$b1562c90$@gmail.com> <0b5001cf38f9$6b55a1e0$4200e5a0$@gmail.com> <53180E22.1080909@itforchange.net> <53183680.4000809@itforchange.net> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A80164204D@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> <53187D85.7030003@wzb.eu> <0df201cf395b$b4d1a8c0$1e74fa40$@gmail.com> <1A236580-3BE4-4402-8076-282E43746895@theglobaljournal.net> <5318B583.30507@acm.org> <1C8CB83D-F11F-4A88-A9DE-57379E839ECC@theglobaljournal.net> Message-ID: On Thu, Mar 6, 2014 at 1:12 PM, Jean-Christophe NOTHIAS I The Global Journal wrote: > Participatory Democracy has nothing to do with Multistakehoderism. MSism > is a concept that came out of business Schools, and it will for ever keep > that original bias. > > Many of us who have participated in MS processes feel that these processes are a form pf particapatory democracy. rgds, McTim -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From parminder at itforchange.net Fri Mar 7 02:53:55 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Fri, 07 Mar 2014 13:23:55 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] Personal submission to NETmundial 2014 In-Reply-To: <1757E0A6-D02E-4A6A-9F2D-4A755715BD23@Malcolm.id.au> References: <1757E0A6-D02E-4A6A-9F2D-4A755715BD23@Malcolm.id.au> Message-ID: <53197B13.5070400@itforchange.net> On Thursday 06 March 2014 09:53 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: > Below is my personal submission to NETmundial 2014 on "Roadmap for the > Further Evolution of the Internet Governance Ecosystem", which builds > on the Best Bits joint submission, but takes a different direction on > some points. The bottom line is that I advocate for a rather stronger > role for the IGF than we ended up doing in the joint submission (for > which there was disagreement over whether the CSTD or IGF was the > better choice): > > http://igfwatch.org/discussion-board/netmundial-2014-submission-on-evolution-of-the-internet-governance-ecosystem Asking for the last time: can people - more so, steering committee members of BB - stop referring to the statements put up on BB platform for possible endorsement as BB statements. I have asked often but generally do not get a reply... Or give me a clarification what is the official policy on this matter parminder > > -- > Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com > Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek > host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk -F! > '{print $3}' > > WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly > recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see > http://jere.my/l/pgp. > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From anriette at apc.org Fri Mar 7 05:10:48 2014 From: anriette at apc.org (Anriette Esterhuysen) Date: Fri, 07 Mar 2014 12:10:48 +0200 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> Dear all I think it is not so clear cut. We live in a time of governance processes changing, and we have opportunities to make them more democratic. I recently had a discussion with someone in the government of Brazil who is very active in CGI.br. I asked him whether CGI.br is a platform for policy shaping (to use Jovan's term) or policy making. My understanding was that it was primarily for policy shaping. He said I was wrong, and that it is in fact a multi-stakeholder body that can make certain types of policies. Members of CGI.br on these lists can give examples. CGI.br is a formally constituted (by act of the legislature) body that is multi-stakeholder, and that can make certain types of public policies, as well as make recommendations for public policies. Membership of CGI.br is of course not informal - it is quite formal, but it is multi-stakeholder. Government has more positions which is something I have heard some Brazilian civil society express concern about. But it does mean that different parts of government is represented which his important. Business is represented through industry bodies, and so on. It is an example of how governance processes can change, and how public policy making can be more inclusive and multi-stakeholder and go beyond the traditional 'government proposes policy - with or without public consulation, follwed by legislature reviewing and approving/rejecting'. From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Fri Mar 7 17:24:48 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina Rossini) Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2014 14:24:48 -0800 Subject: [bestbits] contributions to NetMundial from Latam orgs Message-ID: http://ig4lac.com/2014/03/06/joint-contributions-of-civil-society-organizations-from-latin-america-to-netmundial/ with a bunch of signatures already -- *Carolina Rossini* *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* Open Technology Institute *New America Foundation* // http://carolinarossini.net/ + 1 6176979389 *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* skype: carolrossini @carolinarossini -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From parminder at itforchange.net Sat Mar 8 01:32:31 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Sat, 08 Mar 2014 12:02:31 +0530 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> Message-ID: <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> On Friday 07 March 2014 03:40 PM, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > Dear all > > I think it is not so clear cut. > > We live in a time of governance processes changing, and we have > opportunities to make them more democratic. > > I recently had a discussion with someone in the government of Brazil > who is very active in CGI.br. > > I asked him whether CGI.br is a platform for policy shaping (to use > Jovan's term) or policy making. My understanding was that it was > primarily for policy shaping. > > He said I was wrong, and that it is in fact a multi-stakeholder body > that can make certain types of policies. Members of CGI.br on these > lists can give examples. > > CGI.br is a formally constituted (by act of the legislature) body that > is multi-stakeholder, and that can make certain types of public > policies, as well as make recommendations for public policies. I will like to hear of an instance of CGI.Br having made a public policy. Can you offer one.. then we will know what exactly are we discussing here. Apart from the difference between public policies and technical decisions, is also the difference between original public policy authority and delegated authority. These are concepts and ideas that are rather well worked out in the texts of political science and public administration. A public policy function is sovereign in the sense of not being subject to a higher authority (judicial review being a different matter) and is accompanied with legitimate coercive power for enforcement. Such power only lies with elected representatives in democracies. It cannot, for instance, be exercised by business representatives . (At the global level, such sovereignty is exercised in a complex manner whereby national legislatures often need to ratify international treaties, and while many of such treaties carry enforcement elements, the manner of their national application remain in a somewhat complex interplay with national political systems. But this system of global public policies still works.) As such CGI.Br does not and cannot consitutionally undertake public policy function. Happy to hear counter-arguments. There is a huge problem with deforming the clear political definitions regarding public policy etc and then find entry points for big business to exercise formal political power..... Once such a role is established on some areas, then this power migrates upwards to cover all areas of our social and political existence. This is what is happening now. Do note that the currently fashionable meme of 'equal footing' in public policy functions does not ever circumscribe the areas where big business can thus exercise formal political power, and where it cannot. The multistakeholder policy making models, for instance the one offered by Jeremy, applies to all areas of Internet policies at the global level. Soon, it will be areas of policy in any sector at the global level. Such efforts are of course already afoot. And then gradually this models is brought to the national levels. I remain worried how few here see and fear the headlong plunge into a neoliberal post-democratic system that we may be taking, and in fact contributing so strongly to... parminder > > Membership of CGI.br is of course not informal - it is quite formal, > but it is multi-stakeholder. > > Government has more positions which is something I have heard some > Brazilian civil society express concern about. But it does mean that > different parts of government is represented which his important. > Business is represented through industry bodies, and so on. > > It is an example of how governance processes can change, and how > public policy making can be more inclusive and multi-stakeholder and > go beyond the traditional 'government proposes policy - with or > without public consulation, follwed by legislature reviewing and > approving/rejecting'. > > From a CS perspective I think we need to lobby for traditional models > to be more inclusive, for public consultation to be introduced where > it does not exist, and to be improved where it does. But we should > also propose and promote new models where policy-making is actually > done in an inclusive MS space. > > Anriette > > > On 06/03/2014 14:02, parminder wrote: >> Joy >> >> You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. >> >> So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil society >> statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold that >> non-gov participants(which includes business)should be on the same >> footing as gov participants in terms of actually /*making public >> *//*policies*//*. >> >> */Fine. There is no room for confusion now. >> >> I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. >> >> Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy making, >> which arent there in the mentioned statement, or its accompanying >> statements. >> >> parminder >> >> PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. And Joy >> - or is it someone else from APC - is on the steering committee on >> BB... I hope such mis-statements are avoided, and when pointed out >> withdrawn. Thanks. >> >> /* >> */ >> On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: >>> As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter the >>> full quote in Theme 6.1 is: >>> >>> Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>> society and international organisations. No single government >>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>> internet governance. >>> >>> This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder processes >>> are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and APC has >>> been on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder >>> processes: these are simply one form of democratic participation. To >>> be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other documents >>> and says, taken together, certain principles relevant to internet >>> governance can be deduced and should be taken forward into >>> NetMundial, including human rights. >>> >>> I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 >>> recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. >>> >>> It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing the >>> Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: >>> a) governments alone make public policy including some which is >>> relevant to internet governance >>> b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other when >>> doing so; and >>> c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and >>> therefore should not be on an equal footing with governments this >>> role (though they can of course be involved/consulted) . >>> >>> Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines that >>> a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public policy >>> which is relevant to internet governance >>> b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing or >>> parity with each other when doing so; >>> >>> Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission which >>> simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles >>> NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder participation >>> and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. >>> >>> >>> Joy >>> Joy >>> On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: >>>> Dear all >>>> >>>> Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and >>>> the use of 'multilateral'. >>>> >>>> The full text in Theme 6.1 is: >>>> >>>> "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>> internet governance." >>>> >>>> When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its dictionary >>>> sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties and multiple >>>> countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. >>>> >>>> In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic defines >>>> how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of >>>> governments, the private sector, civil society and international >>>> organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent role >>>> in relation to international internet governance." >>>> >>>> Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the term >>>> multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as meaning >>>> "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest that. But >>>> we certainly did mean that governments should be involved, and that >>>> no one government should dominate - but in the context of the >>>> involvement of other stakeholders too. >>>> >>>> Best >>>> >>>> Anriette >>>> >>>> >>>> On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >>>>> >>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>>>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>>>>> > wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's >>>>>>>> behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with >>>>>>>> respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies >>>>>>>> that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at all >>>>>>>> points in the decision-making process." Well of course. Two >>>>>>>> hoots to democracy! >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>>>>>>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... >>>>>>>> BUT... >>>>>>>> /* >>>>>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is different >>>>>>>> from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. >>>>>>>> If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all >>>>>>>> stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and role >>>>>>>> (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. Please >>>>>>>> address this point specifically. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of >>>>>>> this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can >>>>>>> read for yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At >>>>>>> various times it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it >>>>>>> became "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, to >>>>>>> accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about how >>>>>>> equal the stakeholder roles should be. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and non-democracy. >>>>>> >>>>>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in >>>>>> /*decision making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and non >>>>>> gov actors.... >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that >>>>> this CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not >>>>> multistakeholder governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >>>>> >>>>> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to >>>>> multilateral democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet >>>>> governanceshould be multilateral and democratic. " >>>>> >>>>> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this >>>>> present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - >>>>> does not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the >>>>> principle inspirations. >>>>> >>>>> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also >>>>> quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, CoE >>>>> principles, and G 8 principles.... >>>>> >>>>> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >>>>> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term >>>>> either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much >>>>> subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >>>>> >>>>> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil >>>>> society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >>>>> >>>>> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in >>>>> this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance >>>>> characteristics" you could think only of " openness, transparency, >>>>> inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable multistakeholder >>>>> participation */" (emphasis added) >>>>> >>>>> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the >>>>> word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur >>>>> to someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the >>>>> group.... Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for me >>>>> to stay away from this doc. >>>>> >>>>> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not to >>>>> get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the thin >>>>> end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave new post >>>>> democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream of.... It >>>>> is a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed to be the >>>>> Trojan Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib order. >>>>> >>>>> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like >>>>> equitable multistakeholder participation (further explained in the >>>>> emerging contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the survey) are >>>>> getting introduced as basis of our governance. And see how exactly >>>>> it matches what some of us predicted is the prime objective at >>>>> present of the US supported status quoists to get into the text of >>>>> the outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. >>>>> >>>>> parminder >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC got >>>>>> taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most >>>>>> important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on >>>>>> this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the >>>>>> key point, and not skirt it... >>>>>> >>>>>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >>>>>> submission to NetMundial >>>>>> >>>>>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of the >>>>>> people, possess public authority including internet-related >>>>>> public policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for >>>>>> legitimacy and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to >>>>>> respect and protect human rights, ensure that the rule of law is >>>>>> respected and that relevant national legislation complies with >>>>>> their obligations under international law. Moreover, they need to >>>>>> ensure that the appropriate basic conditions both in terms of >>>>>> cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. Civil >>>>>> society serves, and should continue to do so, as a facilitator >>>>>> and notably as a source of empowerment and credibility, >>>>>> especially at community level. The private sector and >>>>>> particularly the technical community significantly influence and >>>>>> encourage the development, distribution and accessibility of the >>>>>> internet, and should continue to do so. In order to fully live up >>>>>> to the potentials for economic growth, innovation, freedom of >>>>>> expression, access to information and ideas and democratic >>>>>> participation in a knowledge society, all stakeholders involved >>>>>> need to work together." >>>>>> >>>>>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>>>>> >>>>>> parminder >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> -- >>>>>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com >>>>>>> Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek >>>>>>> host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org >>>>>>> |awk -F! '{print $3}' >>>>>>> >>>>>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >>>>>>> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, >>>>>>> see http://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org >>>> executive director, association for progressive communications >>>> www.apc.org >>>> po box 29755, melville 2109 >>>> south africa >>>> tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>> >> > > -- > ------------------------------------------------------ > anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org > executive director, association for progressive communications > www.apc.org > po box 29755, melville 2109 > south africa > tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From parminder at itforchange.net Sat Mar 8 02:03:38 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Sat, 08 Mar 2014 12:33:38 +0530 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <531AC0CA.3010001@itforchange.net> On Saturday 08 March 2014 12:02 PM, parminder wrote: >> SNIP >> >> He said I was wrong, and that it is in fact a multi-stakeholder body >> that can make certain types of policies. Members of CGI.br on these >> lists can give examples. >> >> CGI.br is a formally constituted (by act of the legislature) body >> that is multi-stakeholder, and that can make certain types of public >> policies, as well as make recommendations for public policies. > > I will like to hear of an instance of CGI.Br having made a public > policy. Can you offer one.. then we will know what exactly are we > discussing here. Conversely, since there is considerable interest here in multistakeholder policy making, even at national levels, would you support pharma companies, for instance, sitting in bodies making - actually making - health and drug policies, and big publishers in education policy making, and so on... If not, what is the essential difference, and who decides the 'difference'? Of course state's extra-ordinary interest to control the Internet may be discussed here, but the state has the same kind of desire to control, for instance, the education system. Does it give enough basis for multistakeholder policy making in the education at the national level? Be fore-warned, that is the model of policy making that we are embracing here. parminder > > Apart from the difference between public policies and technical > decisions, is also the difference between original public policy > authority and delegated authority. These are concepts and ideas that > are rather well worked out in the texts of political science and > public administration. > > A public policy function is sovereign in the sense of not being > subject to a higher authority (judicial review being a different > matter) and is accompanied with legitimate coercive power for > enforcement. Such power only lies with elected representatives in > democracies. It cannot, for instance, be exercised by business > representatives . > > (At the global level, such sovereignty is exercised in a complex > manner whereby national legislatures often need to ratify > international treaties, and while many of such treaties carry > enforcement elements, the manner of their national application remain > in a somewhat complex interplay with national political systems. But > this system of global public policies still works.) > > As such CGI.Br does not and cannot consitutionally undertake public > policy function. Happy to hear counter-arguments. > > There is a huge problem with deforming the clear political definitions > regarding public policy etc and then find entry points for big > business to exercise formal political power..... Once such a role is > established on some areas, then this power migrates upwards to cover > all areas of our social and political existence. This is what is > happening now. > > Do note that the currently fashionable meme of 'equal footing' in > public policy functions does not ever circumscribe the areas where big > business can thus exercise formal political power, and where it > cannot. The multistakeholder policy making models, for instance the > one offered by Jeremy, applies to all areas of Internet policies at > the global level. Soon, it will be areas of policy in any sector at > the global level. Such efforts are of course already afoot. And then > gradually this models is brought to the national levels. > > I remain worried how few here see and fear the headlong plunge into a > neoliberal post-democratic system that we may be taking, and in fact > contributing so strongly to... > > parminder > > > >> >> Membership of CGI.br is of course not informal - it is quite formal, >> but it is multi-stakeholder. >> >> Government has more positions which is something I have heard some >> Brazilian civil society express concern about. But it does mean that >> different parts of government is represented which his important. >> Business is represented through industry bodies, and so on. >> >> It is an example of how governance processes can change, and how >> public policy making can be more inclusive and multi-stakeholder and >> go beyond the traditional 'government proposes policy - with or >> without public consulation, follwed by legislature reviewing and >> approving/rejecting'. >> >> From a CS perspective I think we need to lobby for traditional models >> to be more inclusive, for public consultation to be introduced where >> it does not exist, and to be improved where it does. But we should >> also propose and promote new models where policy-making is actually >> done in an inclusive MS space. >> >> Anriette >> >> >> On 06/03/2014 14:02, parminder wrote: >>> Joy >>> >>> You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. >>> >>> So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil society >>> statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold that >>> non-gov participants(which includes business)should be on the same >>> footing as gov participants in terms of actually /*making public >>> *//*policies*//*. >>> >>> */Fine. There is no room for confusion now. >>> >>> I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. >>> >>> Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy making, >>> which arent there in the mentioned statement, or its accompanying >>> statements. >>> >>> parminder >>> >>> PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. And >>> Joy - or is it someone else from APC - is on the steering committee >>> on BB... I hope such mis-statements are avoided, and when pointed >>> out withdrawn. Thanks. >>> >>> /* >>> */ >>> On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: >>>> As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter the >>>> full quote in Theme 6.1 is: >>>> >>>> Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>> internet governance. >>>> >>>> This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder processes >>>> are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and APC has >>>> been on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder >>>> processes: these are simply one form of democratic participation. >>>> To be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other >>>> documents and says, taken together, certain principles relevant to >>>> internet governance can be deduced and should be taken forward into >>>> NetMundial, including human rights. >>>> >>>> I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 >>>> recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. >>>> >>>> It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing the >>>> Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: >>>> a) governments alone make public policy including some which is >>>> relevant to internet governance >>>> b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other when >>>> doing so; and >>>> c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and >>>> therefore should not be on an equal footing with governments this >>>> role (though they can of course be involved/consulted) . >>>> >>>> Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines that >>>> a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public policy >>>> which is relevant to internet governance >>>> b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing or >>>> parity with each other when doing so; >>>> >>>> Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission >>>> which simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles >>>> NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder participation >>>> and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. >>>> >>>> >>>> Joy >>>> Joy >>>> On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: >>>>> Dear all >>>>> >>>>> Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and >>>>> the use of 'multilateral'. >>>>> >>>>> The full text in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>> >>>>> "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>> internet governance." >>>>> >>>>> When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its dictionary >>>>> sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties and multiple >>>>> countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. >>>>> >>>>> In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic >>>>> defines how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of >>>>> governments, the private sector, civil society and international >>>>> organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent role >>>>> in relation to international internet governance." >>>>> >>>>> Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the >>>>> term multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as >>>>> meaning "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest >>>>> that. But we certainly did mean that governments should be >>>>> involved, and that no one government should dominate - but in the >>>>> context of the involvement of other stakeholders too. >>>>> >>>>> Best >>>>> >>>>> Anriette >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>>>>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>>>>>> > wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's >>>>>>>>> behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with >>>>>>>>> respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies >>>>>>>>> that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at >>>>>>>>> all points in the decision-making process." Well of course. >>>>>>>>> Two hoots to democracy! >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>>>>>>>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... >>>>>>>>> BUT... >>>>>>>>> /* >>>>>>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is different >>>>>>>>> from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. >>>>>>>>> If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all >>>>>>>>> stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and >>>>>>>>> role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. >>>>>>>>> Please address this point specifically. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of >>>>>>>> this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can >>>>>>>> read for yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At >>>>>>>> various times it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it >>>>>>>> became "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, >>>>>>>> to accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about >>>>>>>> how equal the stakeholder roles should be. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and >>>>>>> non-democracy. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in >>>>>>> /*decision making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and >>>>>>> non gov actors.... >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that >>>>>> this CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not >>>>>> multistakeholder governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >>>>>> >>>>>> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to >>>>>> multilateral democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet >>>>>> governanceshould be multilateral and democratic. " >>>>>> >>>>>> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this >>>>>> present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - >>>>>> does not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the >>>>>> principle inspirations. >>>>>> >>>>>> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also >>>>>> quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, >>>>>> CoE principles, and G 8 principles.... >>>>>> >>>>>> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >>>>>> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term >>>>>> either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much >>>>>> subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >>>>>> >>>>>> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil >>>>>> society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >>>>>> >>>>>> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in >>>>>> this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance >>>>>> characteristics" you could think only of " openness, >>>>>> transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable >>>>>> multistakeholder participation */" (emphasis added) >>>>>> >>>>>> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the >>>>>> word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur >>>>>> to someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the >>>>>> group.... Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for >>>>>> me to stay away from this doc. >>>>>> >>>>>> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not >>>>>> to get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the >>>>>> thin end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave new >>>>>> post democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream >>>>>> of.... It is a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed >>>>>> to be the Trojan Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib >>>>>> order. >>>>>> >>>>>> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like >>>>>> equitable multistakeholder participation (further explained in >>>>>> the emerging contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the >>>>>> survey) are getting introduced as basis of our governance. And >>>>>> see how exactly it matches what some of us predicted is the prime >>>>>> objective at present of the US supported status quoists to get >>>>>> into the text of the outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. >>>>>> >>>>>> parminder >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC >>>>>>> got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most >>>>>>> important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on >>>>>>> this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is >>>>>>> the key point, and not skirt it... >>>>>>> >>>>>>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >>>>>>> submission to NetMundial >>>>>>> >>>>>>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of >>>>>>> the people, possess public authority including internet-related >>>>>>> public policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for >>>>>>> legitimacy and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to >>>>>>> respect and protect human rights, ensure that the rule of law is >>>>>>> respected and that relevant national legislation complies with >>>>>>> their obligations under international law. Moreover, they need >>>>>>> to ensure that the appropriate basic conditions both in terms of >>>>>>> cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. Civil >>>>>>> society serves, and should continue to do so, as a facilitator >>>>>>> and notably as a source of empowerment and credibility, >>>>>>> especially at community level. The private sector and >>>>>>> particularly the technical community significantly influence and >>>>>>> encourage the development, distribution and accessibility of the >>>>>>> internet, and should continue to do so. In order to fully live >>>>>>> up to the potentials for economic growth, innovation, freedom of >>>>>>> expression, access to information and ideas and democratic >>>>>>> participation in a knowledge society, all stakeholders involved >>>>>>> need to work together." >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>>>>>> >>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com >>>>>>>> Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek >>>>>>>> host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org >>>>>>>> |awk -F! '{print $3}' >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >>>>>>>> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, >>>>>>>> see http://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org >>>>> executive director, association for progressive communications >>>>> www.apc.org >>>>> po box 29755, melville 2109 >>>>> south africa >>>>> tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>> >>> >> >> -- >> ------------------------------------------------------ >> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org >> executive director, association for progressive communications >> www.apc.org >> po box 29755, melville 2109 >> south africa >> tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From parminder at itforchange.net Sat Mar 8 02:08:46 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Sat, 08 Mar 2014 12:38:46 +0530 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <531AC1FE.20001@itforchange.net> On Saturday 08 March 2014 12:02 PM, parminder wrote: >> SNIP >> >> He said I was wrong, and that it is in fact a multi-stakeholder body >> that can make certain types of policies. Members of CGI.br on these >> lists can give examples. >> >> CGI.br is a formally constituted (by act of the legislature) body >> that is multi-stakeholder, and that can make certain types of public >> policies, as well as make recommendations for public policies. > > I will like to hear of an instance of CGI.Br having made a public > policy. Can you offer one.. then we will know what exactly are we > discussing here. Conversely, since there is considerable interest here in multistakeholder policy making, even at national levels, would you support pharma companies, for instance, sitting in bodies making - actually making - health and drug policies, and big publishers in education policy making, and so on... If not, what is the essential difference, and who decides the 'difference'? Of course state's extra-ordinary interest to control the Internet may be discussed here, but the state has the same kind of desire to control, for instance, the education system. Does it give enough basis for multistakeholder policy making in the education sector at the national level? Be fore-warned, that is the model of policy making that we are embracing here. parminder > > Apart from the difference between public policies and technical > decisions, is also the difference between original public policy > authority and delegated authority. These are concepts and ideas that > are rather well worked out in the texts of political science and > public administration. > > A public policy function is sovereign in the sense of not being > subject to a higher authority (judicial review being a different > matter) and is accompanied with legitimate coercive power for > enforcement. Such power only lies with elected representatives in > democracies. It cannot, for instance, be exercised by business > representatives . > > (At the global level, such sovereignty is exercised in a complex > manner whereby national legislatures often need to ratify > international treaties, and while many of such treaties carry > enforcement elements, the manner of their national application remain > in a somewhat complex interplay with national political systems. But > this system of global public policies still works.) > > As such CGI.Br does not and cannot consitutionally undertake public > policy function. Happy to hear counter-arguments. > > There is a huge problem with deforming the clear political definitions > regarding public policy etc and then find entry points for big > business to exercise formal political power..... Once such a role is > established on some areas, then this power migrates upwards to cover > all areas of our social and political existence. This is what is > happening now. > > Do note that the currently fashionable meme of 'equal footing' in > public policy functions does not ever circumscribe the areas where big > business can thus exercise formal political power, and where it > cannot. The multistakeholder policy making models, for instance the > one offered by Jeremy, applies to all areas of Internet policies at > the global level. Soon, it will be areas of policy in any sector at > the global level. Such efforts are of course already afoot. And then > gradually this models is brought to the national levels. > > I remain worried how few here see and fear the headlong plunge into a > neoliberal post-democratic system that we may be taking, and in fact > contributing so strongly to... > > parminder > > > >> >> Membership of CGI.br is of course not informal - it is quite formal, >> but it is multi-stakeholder. >> >> Government has more positions which is something I have heard some >> Brazilian civil society express concern about. But it does mean that >> different parts of government is represented which his important. >> Business is represented through industry bodies, and so on. >> >> It is an example of how governance processes can change, and how >> public policy making can be more inclusive and multi-stakeholder and >> go beyond the traditional 'government proposes policy - with or >> without public consulation, follwed by legislature reviewing and >> approving/rejecting'. >> >> From a CS perspective I think we need to lobby for traditional models >> to be more inclusive, for public consultation to be introduced where >> it does not exist, and to be improved where it does. But we should >> also propose and promote new models where policy-making is actually >> done in an inclusive MS space. >> >> Anriette >> >> >> On 06/03/2014 14:02, parminder wrote: >>> Joy >>> >>> You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. >>> >>> So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil society >>> statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold that >>> non-gov participants(which includes business)should be on the same >>> footing as gov participants in terms of actually /*making public >>> *//*policies*//*. >>> >>> */Fine. There is no room for confusion now. >>> >>> I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. >>> >>> Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy making, >>> which arent there in the mentioned statement, or its accompanying >>> statements. >>> >>> parminder >>> >>> PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. And >>> Joy - or is it someone else from APC - is on the steering committee >>> on BB... I hope such mis-statements are avoided, and when pointed >>> out withdrawn. Thanks. >>> >>> /* >>> */ >>> On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: >>>> As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter the >>>> full quote in Theme 6.1 is: >>>> >>>> Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>> internet governance. >>>> >>>> This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder processes >>>> are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and APC has >>>> been on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder >>>> processes: these are simply one form of democratic participation. >>>> To be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other >>>> documents and says, taken together, certain principles relevant to >>>> internet governance can be deduced and should be taken forward into >>>> NetMundial, including human rights. >>>> >>>> I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 >>>> recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. >>>> >>>> It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing the >>>> Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: >>>> a) governments alone make public policy including some which is >>>> relevant to internet governance >>>> b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other when >>>> doing so; and >>>> c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and >>>> therefore should not be on an equal footing with governments this >>>> role (though they can of course be involved/consulted) . >>>> >>>> Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines that >>>> a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public policy >>>> which is relevant to internet governance >>>> b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing or >>>> parity with each other when doing so; >>>> >>>> Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission >>>> which simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles >>>> NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder participation >>>> and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. >>>> >>>> >>>> Joy >>>> Joy >>>> On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: >>>>> Dear all >>>>> >>>>> Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and >>>>> the use of 'multilateral'. >>>>> >>>>> The full text in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>> >>>>> "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>> internet governance." >>>>> >>>>> When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its dictionary >>>>> sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties and multiple >>>>> countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. >>>>> >>>>> In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic >>>>> defines how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of >>>>> governments, the private sector, civil society and international >>>>> organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent role >>>>> in relation to international internet governance." >>>>> >>>>> Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the >>>>> term multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as >>>>> meaning "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest >>>>> that. But we certainly did mean that governments should be >>>>> involved, and that no one government should dominate - but in the >>>>> context of the involvement of other stakeholders too. >>>>> >>>>> Best >>>>> >>>>> Anriette >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>>>>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>>>>>> > wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's >>>>>>>>> behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with >>>>>>>>> respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies >>>>>>>>> that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at >>>>>>>>> all points in the decision-making process." Well of course. >>>>>>>>> Two hoots to democracy! >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>>>>>>>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... >>>>>>>>> BUT... >>>>>>>>> /* >>>>>>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is different >>>>>>>>> from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. >>>>>>>>> If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all >>>>>>>>> stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and >>>>>>>>> role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. >>>>>>>>> Please address this point specifically. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of >>>>>>>> this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can >>>>>>>> read for yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At >>>>>>>> various times it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it >>>>>>>> became "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, >>>>>>>> to accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about >>>>>>>> how equal the stakeholder roles should be. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and >>>>>>> non-democracy. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in >>>>>>> /*decision making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and >>>>>>> non gov actors.... >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that >>>>>> this CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not >>>>>> multistakeholder governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >>>>>> >>>>>> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to >>>>>> multilateral democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet >>>>>> governanceshould be multilateral and democratic. " >>>>>> >>>>>> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this >>>>>> present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - >>>>>> does not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the >>>>>> principle inspirations. >>>>>> >>>>>> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also >>>>>> quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, >>>>>> CoE principles, and G 8 principles.... >>>>>> >>>>>> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >>>>>> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term >>>>>> either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much >>>>>> subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >>>>>> >>>>>> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil >>>>>> society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >>>>>> >>>>>> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in >>>>>> this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance >>>>>> characteristics" you could think only of " openness, >>>>>> transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable >>>>>> multistakeholder participation */" (emphasis added) >>>>>> >>>>>> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the >>>>>> word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur >>>>>> to someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the >>>>>> group.... Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for >>>>>> me to stay away from this doc. >>>>>> >>>>>> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not >>>>>> to get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the >>>>>> thin end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave new >>>>>> post democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream >>>>>> of.... It is a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed >>>>>> to be the Trojan Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib >>>>>> order. >>>>>> >>>>>> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like >>>>>> equitable multistakeholder participation (further explained in >>>>>> the emerging contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the >>>>>> survey) are getting introduced as basis of our governance. And >>>>>> see how exactly it matches what some of us predicted is the prime >>>>>> objective at present of the US supported status quoists to get >>>>>> into the text of the outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. >>>>>> >>>>>> parminder >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC >>>>>>> got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most >>>>>>> important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on >>>>>>> this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is >>>>>>> the key point, and not skirt it... >>>>>>> >>>>>>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >>>>>>> submission to NetMundial >>>>>>> >>>>>>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of >>>>>>> the people, possess public authority including internet-related >>>>>>> public policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for >>>>>>> legitimacy and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to >>>>>>> respect and protect human rights, ensure that the rule of law is >>>>>>> respected and that relevant national legislation complies with >>>>>>> their obligations under international law. Moreover, they need >>>>>>> to ensure that the appropriate basic conditions both in terms of >>>>>>> cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. Civil >>>>>>> society serves, and should continue to do so, as a facilitator >>>>>>> and notably as a source of empowerment and credibility, >>>>>>> especially at community level. The private sector and >>>>>>> particularly the technical community significantly influence and >>>>>>> encourage the development, distribution and accessibility of the >>>>>>> internet, and should continue to do so. In order to fully live >>>>>>> up to the potentials for economic growth, innovation, freedom of >>>>>>> expression, access to information and ideas and democratic >>>>>>> participation in a knowledge society, all stakeholders involved >>>>>>> need to work together." >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>>>>>> >>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com >>>>>>>> Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek >>>>>>>> host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org >>>>>>>> |awk -F! '{print $3}' >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >>>>>>>> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, >>>>>>>> see http://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org >>>>> executive director, association for progressive communications >>>>> www.apc.org >>>>> po box 29755, melville 2109 >>>>> south africa >>>>> tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>> >>> >> >> -- >> ------------------------------------------------------ >> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org >> executive director, association for progressive communications >> www.apc.org >> po box 29755, melville 2109 >> south africa >> tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au Sat Mar 8 04:49:36 2014 From: Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au (Jeremy Malcolm) Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2014 17:49:36 +0800 Subject: [governance] [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <49554106-4F1F-45BE-8E4D-9ECF5A4CA38E@Malcolm.id.au> On 8 Mar 2014, at 2:32 pm, parminder wrote: > Do note that the currently fashionable meme of 'equal footing' in public policy functions does not ever circumscribe the areas where big business can thus exercise formal political power, and where it cannot. The multistakeholder policy making models, for instance the one offered by Jeremy, applies to all areas of Internet policies at the global level. Soon, it will be areas of policy in any sector at the global level. Such efforts are of course already afoot. And then gradually this models is brought to the national levels. I'm just going to respond briefly to this discrete point since my name was mentioned. If you take another look at my NETmundial submission, or indeed at anything else that I have written, I have never specified that there must be equality at the level of formal political power, and actually have said the opposite. My support has always been for multi-stakeholder processes that develop soft law, which at their intersection with national and international legal systems would have to be implemented through by parliaments, courts, treaties, etc. Anyway, it is clear that there is a greater than ever divergence between those of us who support the development of multi-stakeholder global Internet governance and those who will continue to place their faith in intergovernmentalism, and we will both claim that it is in support of democracy. I don't have a problem with the division or the debate, but can we resist taking such a badgering tone? I really doubt that that form of discourse is going to convince anyone to switch their views. -- Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 204 bytes Desc: Message signed with OpenPGP using GPGMail URL: From rafik.dammak at gmail.com Sat Mar 8 04:54:32 2014 From: rafik.dammak at gmail.com (Rafik Dammak) Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2014 18:54:32 +0900 Subject: [governance] [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <49554106-4F1F-45BE-8E4D-9ECF5A4CA38E@Malcolm.id.au> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> <49554106-4F1F-45BE-8E4D-9ECF5A4CA38E@Malcolm.id.au> Message-ID: > > > I'm just going to respond briefly to this discrete point since my name was > mentioned. If you take another look at my NETmundial submission, or indeed > at anything else that I have written, I have never specified that there > must be equality at the level of formal political power, and actually have > said the opposite. My support has always been for multi-stakeholder > processes that develop soft law, which at their intersection with national > and international legal systems would have to be implemented through by > parliaments, courts, treaties, etc. > > Anyway, it is clear that there is a greater than ever divergence between > those of us who support the development of multi-stakeholder global > Internet governance and those who will continue to place their faith in > intergovernmentalism, and we will both claim that it is in support of > democracy. I don't have a problem with the division or the debate, but can > we resist taking such a badgering tone? I really doubt that that form of > discourse is going to convince anyone to switch their views. > > +1 Rafik -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jeanette at wzb.eu Sat Mar 8 06:44:03 2014 From: jeanette at wzb.eu (Jeanette Hofmann) Date: Sat, 08 Mar 2014 12:44:03 +0100 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <531AC0CA.3010001@itforchange.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> <531AC0CA.3010001@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <531B0283.60303@wzb.eu> > Conversely, since there is considerable interest here in > multistakeholder policy making, even at national levels, would you > support pharma companies, for instance, sitting in bodies making - > actually making - health and drug policies, and big publishers in > education policy making, and so on... The problem is that the pharmaceutical companies have been doing this for decades - but behind closed doors. National legislation is not done without consulting with industries affected. Sometimes, particularly on the EU level, they even write the draft legislation. Multistakeholder offers the chance to broaden the consulation process and bring this process in the open daylight so that everybody can see what has been going on in secret. jeanette > If not, what is the essential difference, and who decides the 'difference'? > > Of course state's extra-ordinary interest to control the Internet may be > discussed here, but the state has the same kind of desire to control, > for instance, the education system. Does it give enough basis for > multistakeholder policy making in the education at the national level? > Be fore-warned, that is the model of policy making that we are embracing > here. > > parminder > >> >> Apart from the difference between public policies and technical >> decisions, is also the difference between original public policy >> authority and delegated authority. These are concepts and ideas that >> are rather well worked out in the texts of political science and >> public administration. >> >> A public policy function is sovereign in the sense of not being >> subject to a higher authority (judicial review being a different >> matter) and is accompanied with legitimate coercive power for >> enforcement. Such power only lies with elected representatives in >> democracies. It cannot, for instance, be exercised by business >> representatives . >> >> (At the global level, such sovereignty is exercised in a complex >> manner whereby national legislatures often need to ratify >> international treaties, and while many of such treaties carry >> enforcement elements, the manner of their national application remain >> in a somewhat complex interplay with national political systems. But >> this system of global public policies still works.) >> >> As such CGI.Br does not and cannot consitutionally undertake public >> policy function. Happy to hear counter-arguments. >> >> There is a huge problem with deforming the clear political definitions >> regarding public policy etc and then find entry points for big >> business to exercise formal political power..... Once such a role is >> established on some areas, then this power migrates upwards to cover >> all areas of our social and political existence. This is what is >> happening now. >> >> Do note that the currently fashionable meme of 'equal footing' in >> public policy functions does not ever circumscribe the areas where big >> business can thus exercise formal political power, and where it >> cannot. The multistakeholder policy making models, for instance the >> one offered by Jeremy, applies to all areas of Internet policies at >> the global level. Soon, it will be areas of policy in any sector at >> the global level. Such efforts are of course already afoot. And then >> gradually this models is brought to the national levels. >> >> I remain worried how few here see and fear the headlong plunge into a >> neoliberal post-democratic system that we may be taking, and in fact >> contributing so strongly to... >> >> parminder >> >> >> >>> >>> Membership of CGI.br is of course not informal - it is quite formal, >>> but it is multi-stakeholder. >>> >>> Government has more positions which is something I have heard some >>> Brazilian civil society express concern about. But it does mean that >>> different parts of government is represented which his important. >>> Business is represented through industry bodies, and so on. >>> >>> It is an example of how governance processes can change, and how >>> public policy making can be more inclusive and multi-stakeholder and >>> go beyond the traditional 'government proposes policy - with or >>> without public consulation, follwed by legislature reviewing and >>> approving/rejecting'. >>> >>> From a CS perspective I think we need to lobby for traditional models >>> to be more inclusive, for public consultation to be introduced where >>> it does not exist, and to be improved where it does. But we should >>> also propose and promote new models where policy-making is actually >>> done in an inclusive MS space. >>> >>> Anriette >>> >>> >>> On 06/03/2014 14:02, parminder wrote: >>>> Joy >>>> >>>> You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. >>>> >>>> So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil society >>>> statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold that >>>> non-gov participants(which includes business)should be on the same >>>> footing as gov participants in terms of actually /*making public >>>> *//*policies*//*. >>>> >>>> */Fine. There is no room for confusion now. >>>> >>>> I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. >>>> >>>> Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy making, >>>> which arent there in the mentioned statement, or its accompanying >>>> statements. >>>> >>>> parminder >>>> >>>> PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. And >>>> Joy - or is it someone else from APC - is on the steering committee >>>> on BB... I hope such mis-statements are avoided, and when pointed >>>> out withdrawn. Thanks. >>>> >>>> /* >>>> */ >>>> On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: >>>>> As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter the >>>>> full quote in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>> >>>>> Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>> internet governance. >>>>> >>>>> This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder processes >>>>> are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and APC has >>>>> been on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder >>>>> processes: these are simply one form of democratic participation. >>>>> To be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other >>>>> documents and says, taken together, certain principles relevant to >>>>> internet governance can be deduced and should be taken forward into >>>>> NetMundial, including human rights. >>>>> >>>>> I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 >>>>> recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. >>>>> >>>>> It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing the >>>>> Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: >>>>> a) governments alone make public policy including some which is >>>>> relevant to internet governance >>>>> b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other when >>>>> doing so; and >>>>> c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and >>>>> therefore should not be on an equal footing with governments this >>>>> role (though they can of course be involved/consulted) . >>>>> >>>>> Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines that >>>>> a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public policy >>>>> which is relevant to internet governance >>>>> b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing or >>>>> parity with each other when doing so; >>>>> >>>>> Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission >>>>> which simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles >>>>> NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder participation >>>>> and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Joy >>>>> Joy >>>>> On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: >>>>>> Dear all >>>>>> >>>>>> Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and >>>>>> the use of 'multilateral'. >>>>>> >>>>>> The full text in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>> >>>>>> "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>> internet governance." >>>>>> >>>>>> When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its dictionary >>>>>> sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties and multiple >>>>>> countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. >>>>>> >>>>>> In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic >>>>>> defines how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of >>>>>> governments, the private sector, civil society and international >>>>>> organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent role >>>>>> in relation to international internet governance." >>>>>> >>>>>> Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the >>>>>> term multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as >>>>>> meaning "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest >>>>>> that. But we certainly did mean that governments should be >>>>>> involved, and that no one government should dominate - but in the >>>>>> context of the involvement of other stakeholders too. >>>>>> >>>>>> Best >>>>>> >>>>>> Anriette >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>>>>>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>>>>>>> > wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's >>>>>>>>>> behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with >>>>>>>>>> respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies >>>>>>>>>> that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at >>>>>>>>>> all points in the decision-making process." Well of course. >>>>>>>>>> Two hoots to democracy! >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>>>>>>>>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... >>>>>>>>>> BUT... >>>>>>>>>> /* >>>>>>>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is different >>>>>>>>>> from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. >>>>>>>>>> If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all >>>>>>>>>> stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and >>>>>>>>>> role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. >>>>>>>>>> Please address this point specifically. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of >>>>>>>>> this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can >>>>>>>>> read for yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At >>>>>>>>> various times it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it >>>>>>>>> became "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, >>>>>>>>> to accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about >>>>>>>>> how equal the stakeholder roles should be. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and >>>>>>>> non-democracy. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in >>>>>>>> /*decision making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and >>>>>>>> non gov actors.... >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that >>>>>>> this CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not >>>>>>> multistakeholder governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to >>>>>>> multilateral democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet >>>>>>> governanceshould be multilateral and democratic. " >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this >>>>>>> present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - >>>>>>> does not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the >>>>>>> principle inspirations. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also >>>>>>> quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, >>>>>>> CoE principles, and G 8 principles.... >>>>>>> >>>>>>> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >>>>>>> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term >>>>>>> either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much >>>>>>> subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil >>>>>>> society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >>>>>>> >>>>>>> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in >>>>>>> this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance >>>>>>> characteristics" you could think only of " openness, >>>>>>> transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable >>>>>>> multistakeholder participation */" (emphasis added) >>>>>>> >>>>>>> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the >>>>>>> word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur >>>>>>> to someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the >>>>>>> group.... Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for >>>>>>> me to stay away from this doc. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not >>>>>>> to get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the >>>>>>> thin end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave new >>>>>>> post democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream >>>>>>> of.... It is a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed >>>>>>> to be the Trojan Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib >>>>>>> order. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like >>>>>>> equitable multistakeholder participation (further explained in >>>>>>> the emerging contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the >>>>>>> survey) are getting introduced as basis of our governance. And >>>>>>> see how exactly it matches what some of us predicted is the prime >>>>>>> objective at present of the US supported status quoists to get >>>>>>> into the text of the outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC >>>>>>>> got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most >>>>>>>> important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on >>>>>>>> this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is >>>>>>>> the key point, and not skirt it... >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of >>>>>>>> the people, possess public authority including internet-related >>>>>>>> public policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for >>>>>>>> legitimacy and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to >>>>>>>> respect and protect human rights, ensure that the rule of law is >>>>>>>> respected and that relevant national legislation complies with >>>>>>>> their obligations under international law. Moreover, they need >>>>>>>> to ensure that the appropriate basic conditions both in terms of >>>>>>>> cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. Civil >>>>>>>> society serves, and should continue to do so, as a facilitator >>>>>>>> and notably as a source of empowerment and credibility, >>>>>>>> especially at community level. The private sector and >>>>>>>> particularly the technical community significantly influence and >>>>>>>> encourage the development, distribution and accessibility of the >>>>>>>> internet, and should continue to do so. In order to fully live >>>>>>>> up to the potentials for economic growth, innovation, freedom of >>>>>>>> expression, access to information and ideas and democratic >>>>>>>> participation in a knowledge society, all stakeholders involved >>>>>>>> need to work together." >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com >>>>>>>>> Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek >>>>>>>>> host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org >>>>>>>>> |awk -F! '{print $3}' >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >>>>>>>>> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, >>>>>>>>> see http://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org >>>>>> executive director, association for progressive communications >>>>>> www.apc.org >>>>>> po box 29755, melville 2109 >>>>>> south africa >>>>>> tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>>> >>>> >>> >>> -- >>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org >>> executive director, association for progressive communications >>> www.apc.org >>> po box 29755, melville 2109 >>> south africa >>> tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >> > From rafik.dammak at gmail.com Sat Mar 8 06:50:56 2014 From: rafik.dammak at gmail.com (Rafik Dammak) Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2014 20:50:56 +0900 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <531B0283.60303@wzb.eu> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> <531AC0CA.3010001@itforchange.net> <531B0283.60303@wzb.eu> Message-ID: > > > > The problem is that the pharmaceutical companies have been doing this for > decades - but behind closed doors. National legislation is not done without > consulting with industries affected. Sometimes, particularly on the EU > level, they even write the draft legislation. Multistakeholder offers the > chance to broaden the consulation process and bring this process in the > open daylight so that everybody can see what has been going on in secret. > > jeanette > > Yes, we can also add the example of TPP, TAFTA and likes, which are negotiated between states without transparency , where private sector is involved and where civil society is excluded . Rafik -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gurstein at gmail.com Sat Mar 8 09:16:05 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2014 06:16:05 -0800 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <531B0283.60303@wzb.eu> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> <531AC0CA.3010001@itforchange.net> <531B0283.60303@wzb.eu> Message-ID: <16fc01cf3ad8$f26a3f70$d73ebe50$@gmail.com> So it is your position that what up to this point has been ethically dubious and in some cases downright illegal i.e. the subverting (errr.. "shaping") of public policy processes to support private interests, not only legal but compulsory? M -----Original Message----- From: bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net [mailto:bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net] On Behalf Of Jeanette Hofmann Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2014 3:44 AM To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > Conversely, since there is considerable interest here in > multistakeholder policy making, even at national levels, would you > support pharma companies, for instance, sitting in bodies making - > actually making - health and drug policies, and big publishers in > education policy making, and so on... The problem is that the pharmaceutical companies have been doing this for decades - but behind closed doors. National legislation is not done without consulting with industries affected. Sometimes, particularly on the EU level, they even write the draft legislation. Multistakeholder offers the chance to broaden the consulation process and bring this process in the open daylight so that everybody can see what has been going on in secret. jeanette > If not, what is the essential difference, and who decides the 'difference'? > > Of course state's extra-ordinary interest to control the Internet may > be discussed here, but the state has the same kind of desire to > control, for instance, the education system. Does it give enough basis > for multistakeholder policy making in the education at the national level? > Be fore-warned, that is the model of policy making that we are > embracing here. > > parminder > >> >> Apart from the difference between public policies and technical >> decisions, is also the difference between original public policy >> authority and delegated authority. These are concepts and ideas that >> are rather well worked out in the texts of political science and >> public administration. >> >> A public policy function is sovereign in the sense of not being >> subject to a higher authority (judicial review being a different >> matter) and is accompanied with legitimate coercive power for >> enforcement. Such power only lies with elected representatives in >> democracies. It cannot, for instance, be exercised by business >> representatives . >> >> (At the global level, such sovereignty is exercised in a complex >> manner whereby national legislatures often need to ratify >> international treaties, and while many of such treaties carry >> enforcement elements, the manner of their national application remain >> in a somewhat complex interplay with national political systems. But >> this system of global public policies still works.) >> >> As such CGI.Br does not and cannot consitutionally undertake public >> policy function. Happy to hear counter-arguments. >> >> There is a huge problem with deforming the clear political >> definitions regarding public policy etc and then find entry points >> for big business to exercise formal political power..... Once such a >> role is established on some areas, then this power migrates upwards >> to cover all areas of our social and political existence. This is >> what is happening now. >> >> Do note that the currently fashionable meme of 'equal footing' in >> public policy functions does not ever circumscribe the areas where >> big business can thus exercise formal political power, and where it >> cannot. The multistakeholder policy making models, for instance the >> one offered by Jeremy, applies to all areas of Internet policies at >> the global level. Soon, it will be areas of policy in any sector at >> the global level. Such efforts are of course already afoot. And then >> gradually this models is brought to the national levels. >> >> I remain worried how few here see and fear the headlong plunge into a >> neoliberal post-democratic system that we may be taking, and in fact >> contributing so strongly to... >> >> parminder >> >> >> >>> >>> Membership of CGI.br is of course not informal - it is quite formal, >>> but it is multi-stakeholder. >>> >>> Government has more positions which is something I have heard some >>> Brazilian civil society express concern about. But it does mean that >>> different parts of government is represented which his important. >>> Business is represented through industry bodies, and so on. >>> >>> It is an example of how governance processes can change, and how >>> public policy making can be more inclusive and multi-stakeholder and >>> go beyond the traditional 'government proposes policy - with or >>> without public consulation, follwed by legislature reviewing and >>> approving/rejecting'. >>> >>> From a CS perspective I think we need to lobby for traditional >>> models to be more inclusive, for public consultation to be >>> introduced where it does not exist, and to be improved where it >>> does. But we should also propose and promote new models where >>> policy-making is actually done in an inclusive MS space. >>> >>> Anriette >>> >>> >>> On 06/03/2014 14:02, parminder wrote: >>>> Joy >>>> >>>> You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. >>>> >>>> So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil society >>>> statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold that >>>> non-gov participants(which includes business)should be on the same >>>> footing as gov participants in terms of actually /*making public >>>> *//*policies*//*. >>>> >>>> */Fine. There is no room for confusion now. >>>> >>>> I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. >>>> >>>> Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy >>>> making, which arent there in the mentioned statement, or its >>>> accompanying statements. >>>> >>>> parminder >>>> >>>> PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. And >>>> Joy - or is it someone else from APC - is on the steering committee >>>> on BB... I hope such mis-statements are avoided, and when pointed >>>> out withdrawn. Thanks. >>>> >>>> /* >>>> */ >>>> On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: >>>>> As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter the >>>>> full quote in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>> >>>>> Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>> internet governance. >>>>> >>>>> This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder >>>>> processes are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and >>>>> APC has been on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder >>>>> processes: these are simply one form of democratic participation. >>>>> To be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other >>>>> documents and says, taken together, certain principles relevant to >>>>> internet governance can be deduced and should be taken forward >>>>> into NetMundial, including human rights. >>>>> >>>>> I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 >>>>> recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. >>>>> >>>>> It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing the >>>>> Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: >>>>> a) governments alone make public policy including some which is >>>>> relevant to internet governance >>>>> b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other when >>>>> doing so; and >>>>> c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and >>>>> therefore should not be on an equal footing with governments this >>>>> role (though they can of course be involved/consulted) . >>>>> >>>>> Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines that >>>>> a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public policy >>>>> which is relevant to internet governance >>>>> b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing or >>>>> parity with each other when doing so; >>>>> >>>>> Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission >>>>> which simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles >>>>> NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder >>>>> participation and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Joy >>>>> Joy >>>>> On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: >>>>>> Dear all >>>>>> >>>>>> Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and >>>>>> the use of 'multilateral'. >>>>>> >>>>>> The full text in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>> >>>>>> "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>> internet governance." >>>>>> >>>>>> When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its >>>>>> dictionary sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties >>>>>> and multiple countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. >>>>>> >>>>>> In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic >>>>>> defines how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of >>>>>> governments, the private sector, civil society and international >>>>>> organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent >>>>>> role in relation to international internet governance." >>>>>> >>>>>> Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the >>>>>> term multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as >>>>>> meaning "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest >>>>>> that. But we certainly did mean that governments should be >>>>>> involved, and that no one government should dominate - but in the >>>>>> context of the involvement of other stakeholders too. >>>>>> >>>>>> Best >>>>>> >>>>>> Anriette >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>>>>>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>>>>>>>> > wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's >>>>>>>>>> behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with >>>>>>>>>> respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies >>>>>>>>>> that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at >>>>>>>>>> all points in the decision-making process." Well of course. >>>>>>>>>> Two hoots to democracy! >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>>>>>>>>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... >>>>>>>>>> BUT... >>>>>>>>>> /* >>>>>>>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is different >>>>>>>>>> from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. >>>>>>>>>> If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all >>>>>>>>>> stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and >>>>>>>>>> role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. >>>>>>>>>> Please address this point specifically. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of >>>>>>>>> this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can >>>>>>>>> read for yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At >>>>>>>>> various times it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it >>>>>>>>> became "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, >>>>>>>>> to accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about >>>>>>>>> how equal the stakeholder roles should be. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and >>>>>>>> non-democracy. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in >>>>>>>> /*decision making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and >>>>>>>> non gov actors.... >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that >>>>>>> this CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not >>>>>>> multistakeholder governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to >>>>>>> multilateral democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet >>>>>>> governanceshould be multilateral and democratic. " >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this >>>>>>> present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - >>>>>>> does not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the >>>>>>> principle inspirations. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also >>>>>>> quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, >>>>>>> CoE principles, and G 8 principles.... >>>>>>> >>>>>>> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >>>>>>> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term >>>>>>> either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much >>>>>>> subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil >>>>>>> society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >>>>>>> >>>>>>> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in >>>>>>> this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance >>>>>>> characteristics" you could think only of " openness, >>>>>>> transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable >>>>>>> multistakeholder participation */" (emphasis added) >>>>>>> >>>>>>> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the >>>>>>> word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur >>>>>>> to someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the >>>>>>> group.... Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for >>>>>>> me to stay away from this doc. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not >>>>>>> to get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the >>>>>>> thin end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave >>>>>>> new post democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream >>>>>>> of.... It is a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed >>>>>>> to be the Trojan Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib >>>>>>> order. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like >>>>>>> equitable multistakeholder participation (further explained in >>>>>>> the emerging contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the >>>>>>> survey) are getting introduced as basis of our governance. And >>>>>>> see how exactly it matches what some of us predicted is the >>>>>>> prime objective at present of the US supported status quoists to >>>>>>> get into the text of the outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC >>>>>>>> got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most >>>>>>>> important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on >>>>>>>> this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is >>>>>>>> the key point, and not skirt it... >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of >>>>>>>> the people, possess public authority including internet-related >>>>>>>> public policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for >>>>>>>> legitimacy and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to >>>>>>>> respect and protect human rights, ensure that the rule of law >>>>>>>> is respected and that relevant national legislation complies >>>>>>>> with their obligations under international law. Moreover, they >>>>>>>> need to ensure that the appropriate basic conditions both in >>>>>>>> terms of cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. >>>>>>>> Civil society serves, and should continue to do so, as a >>>>>>>> facilitator and notably as a source of empowerment and >>>>>>>> credibility, especially at community level. The private sector >>>>>>>> and particularly the technical community significantly >>>>>>>> influence and encourage the development, distribution and >>>>>>>> accessibility of the internet, and should continue to do so. In >>>>>>>> order to fully live up to the potentials for economic growth, >>>>>>>> innovation, freedom of expression, access to information and >>>>>>>> ideas and democratic participation in a knowledge society, all >>>>>>>> stakeholders involved need to work together." >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT >>>>>>>>> policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR >>>>>>>>> 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk -F! >>>>>>>>> '{print $3}' >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >>>>>>>>> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For >>>>>>>>> instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, >>>>>> association for progressive communications www.apc.org po box >>>>>> 29755, melville 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>>> >>>> >>> >>> -- >>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, association >>> for progressive communications www.apc.org po box 29755, melville >>> 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >> > From gurstein at gmail.com Sat Mar 8 10:48:03 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2014 07:48:03 -0800 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <144a22ab600.27e9.4f968dcf8ecd56c9cb8acab6370fcfe0@hserus.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> <531AC0CA.3010001@itforchange.net> <531B0283.60303@wzb.eu> <16fc01cf3ad8$f26a3f70$d73ebe50$@gmail.com> <144a22ab600.27e9.4f968dcf8ecd56c9cb8acab6370fcfe0@hserus.net> Message-ID: <173001cf3ae5$cb6724d0$62356e70$@gmail.com> Maybe I'm wrong and I would be delighted to see one of the MSists actually come out with a clear articulation of what they mean by MSism or a MS process but my understanding is that MSism is where the various "stakeholders" i.e. the private sector among others have a direct role in deciding (i.e. have direct inputs into consensus outputs) concerning issues of public policy significance arising out of Internet developments. What that means to me is that for example, Amazon gets to have a direct input into establishing global taxation policy related to the Internet, Google as a "stakeholder" is directly involved in establishing global policy concerning Intellectual Property Rights, Facebook as a matter of stakeholder "rights" helps determine global standards and regulation concerning privacy and so on and so on. Perhaps one of the guru's of MSism--Wolfgang, Bertrand, Jeanette--might explain exactly where I've misunderstood. M -----Original Message----- From: Suresh Ramasubramanian [mailto:suresh at hserus.net] Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2014 6:49 AM To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; 'Jeanette Hofmann'; bestbits; michael gurstein Subject: RE: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net I thought she just got saying that industry has a stake and should have an opportunity to comment on legislation or regulations that are targeted at it. I am not sure how you drew that extra meaning from her words. On 8 March 2014 7:46:55 PM "michael gurstein" wrote: > So it is your position that what up to this point has been ethically > dubious and in some cases downright illegal i.e. the subverting (errr.. > "shaping") of public policy processes to support private interests, > not only legal but compulsory? > > M > > -----Original Message----- > From: bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net > [mailto:bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net] On Behalf Of Jeanette > Hofmann > Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2014 3:44 AM > To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; bestbits at lists.bestbits.net > Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions > launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > > > > > > Conversely, since there is considerable interest here in > > multistakeholder > policy making, even at national levels, would you support pharma > companies, for instance, sitting in bodies making - actually making - > health and drug policies, and big publishers in education policy making, and so on... > > > The problem is that the pharmaceutical companies have been doing this > for decades - but behind closed doors. National legislation is not > done without consulting with industries affected. Sometimes, > particularly on the EU level, they even write the draft legislation. > Multistakeholder offers the chance to broaden the consulation process > and bring this process in the open daylight so that everybody can see what has been going on in secret. > > jeanette > > > > If not, what is the essential difference, and who decides the 'difference'? > > > > Of course state's extra-ordinary interest to control the Internet > > may be > discussed here, but the state has the same kind of desire to control, > for instance, the education system. Does it give enough basis for > multistakeholder policy making in the education at the national level? > > Be fore-warned, that is the model of policy making that we are > > embracing > here. > > > > parminder > > > >> > >> Apart from the difference between public policies and technical > decisions, is also the difference between original public policy > authority and delegated authority. These are concepts and ideas that > are rather well worked out in the texts of political science and public administration. > >> > >> A public policy function is sovereign in the sense of not being > >> subject > to a higher authority (judicial review being a different > >> matter) and is accompanied with legitimate coercive power for > enforcement. Such power only lies with elected representatives in > democracies. It cannot, for instance, be exercised by business > representatives . > >> > >> (At the global level, such sovereignty is exercised in a complex > >> manner > whereby national legislatures often need to ratify international > treaties, and while many of such treaties carry enforcement elements, > the manner of their national application remain in a somewhat complex > interplay with national political systems. But this system of global > public policies still > works.) > >> > >> As such CGI.Br does not and cannot consitutionally undertake public > policy function. Happy to hear counter-arguments. > >> > >> There is a huge problem with deforming the clear political > >> definitions > regarding public policy etc and then find entry points for big > business to exercise formal political power..... Once such a role is > established on some areas, then this power migrates upwards to cover > all areas of our social and political existence. This is what is happening now. > >> > >> Do note that the currently fashionable meme of 'equal footing' in > public policy functions does not ever circumscribe the areas where big > business can thus exercise formal political power, and where it > cannot. The multistakeholder policy making models, for instance the > one offered by Jeremy, applies to all areas of Internet policies at the global level. > Soon, it will be areas of policy in any sector at the global level. > Such efforts are of course already afoot. And then gradually this > models is brought to the national levels. > >> > >> I remain worried how few here see and fear the headlong plunge into > >> a > neoliberal post-democratic system that we may be taking, and in fact > contributing so strongly to... > >> > >> parminder > >> > >> > >> > >>> > >>> Membership of CGI.br is of course not informal - it is quite > >>> formal, > but it is multi-stakeholder. > >>> > >>> Government has more positions which is something I have heard some > Brazilian civil society express concern about. But it does mean that > different parts of government is represented which his important. > >>> Business is represented through industry bodies, and so on. > >>> > >>> It is an example of how governance processes can change, and how > >>> public > policy making can be more inclusive and multi-stakeholder and go > beyond the traditional 'government proposes policy - with or without > public consulation, follwed by legislature reviewing and approving/rejecting'. > >>> > >>> From a CS perspective I think we need to lobby for traditional > >>> models > to be more inclusive, for public consultation to be introduced where > it does not exist, and to be improved where it does. But we should > also propose and promote new models where policy-making is actually > done in an inclusive MS space. > >>> > >>> Anriette > >>> > >>> > >>> On 06/03/2014 14:02, parminder wrote: > >>>> Joy > >>>> > >>>> You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. > >>>> > >>>> So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil > >>>> society > statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold that non-gov > participants(which includes business)should be on the same footing as > gov participants in terms of actually /*making public *//*policies*//*. > >>>> > >>>> */Fine. There is no room for confusion now. > >>>> > >>>> I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. > >>>> > >>>> Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy > >>>> making, > which arent there in the mentioned statement, or its accompanying statements. > >>>> > >>>> parminder > >>>> > >>>> PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. And > >>>> Joy > - or is it someone else from APC - is on the steering committee on > BB... I hope such mis-statements are avoided, and when pointed out withdrawn. Thanks. > >>>> > >>>> /* > >>>> */ > >>>> On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: > >>>>> As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter > >>>>> the > full quote in Theme 6.1 is: > >>>>> > >>>>> Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with > >>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil > >>>>> society and international organisations. No single government > >>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international > >>>>> internet governance. > >>>>> > >>>>> This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder > >>>>> processes > are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and APC has been > on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder > >>>>> processes: these are simply one form of democratic participation. > >>>>> To be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other > >>>>> documents > and says, taken together, certain principles relevant to internet > governance can be deduced and should be taken forward into NetMundial, > including human rights. > >>>>> > >>>>> I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 > recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. > >>>>> > >>>>> It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing > >>>>> the > Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: > >>>>> a) governments alone make public policy including some which is > relevant to internet governance > >>>>> b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other > >>>>> when > doing so; and > >>>>> c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and > >>>>> therefore > should not be on an equal footing with governments this role (though > they can of course be involved/consulted) . > >>>>> > >>>>> Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines > >>>>> that > >>>>> a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public > >>>>> policy > which is relevant to internet governance > >>>>> b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing > >>>>> or > parity with each other when doing so; > >>>>> > >>>>> Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission > >>>>> which > simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles > NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder participation > and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>>> Joy > >>>>> Joy > >>>>> On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > >>>>>> Dear all > >>>>>> > >>>>>> Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter > >>>>>> and the > use of 'multilateral'. > >>>>>> > >>>>>> The full text in Theme 6.1 is: > >>>>>> > >>>>>> "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, > >>>>>> with the > full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society and > international organisations. No single government should have a > pre-eminent role in relation to international internet governance." > >>>>>> > >>>>>> When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its > >>>>>> dictionary > sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties and multiple > countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. > >>>>>> > >>>>>> In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic > >>>>>> defines > how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of governments, > the private sector, civil society and international organisations. No > single government should have a pre-eminent role in relation to > international internet governance." > >>>>>> > >>>>>> Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the > >>>>>> term > multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as meaning > "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest that. But we > certainly did mean that governments should be involved, and that no > one government should dominate - but in the context of the involvement > of other stakeholders too. > >>>>>> > >>>>>> Best > >>>>>> > >>>>>> Anriette > >>>>>> > >>>>>> > >>>>>> On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: > >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: > >>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: > >>>>>>>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder > >>>>>>>>> > wrote: > >>>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's > behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with respect > to Internet governance should only be made by bodies that allow free > and equitable access to all stakeholders at all points in the > decision-making process." Well of course. > >>>>>>>>>> Two hoots to democracy! > >>>>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the > >>>>>>>>>> proposed > submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. > >>>>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP > Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... > >>>>>>>>>> BUT... > >>>>>>>>>> /* > >>>>>>>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable > multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is different from what > is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. > >>>>>>>>>> If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all > stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and role (as > gov > reps) in making decisions about public policies. > >>>>>>>>>> Please address this point specifically. > >>>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion > >>>>>>>>> of > this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can read for > yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At various times it > was "parity" and "power sharing" before it became "equitable > participation", which is somewhat flexible, to accommodate the > different viewpoints that we all have about how equal the stakeholder roles should be. > >>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and non-democracy. > >>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in > /*decision making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and non gov > actors.... > >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that > >>>>>>> this > CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not multistakeholder > governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. > >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to > >>>>>>> multilateral > democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet governanceshould be > multilateral and democratic. " > >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this > present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - does > not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the principle inspirations. > >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also > quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, CoE > principles, and G 8 principles.... > >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and > emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term either > does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much subsidiary > fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) > >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil > society actors in IG space - come up with ..... > >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' > >>>>>>> in > this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance > characteristics" you could think only of " openness, transparency, > inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable multistakeholder > participation */" (emphasis added) > >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did > >>>>>>> the > word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur to > someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the group.... > Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for me to stay away from this doc. > >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy > >>>>>>> not to > get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the thin end > of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave new post > democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream of.... It is a > pity that a good part of civil society has agreed to be the Trojan > Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib order. > >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like > >>>>>>> equitable > multistakeholder participation (further explained in the emerging > contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the > >>>>>>> survey) are getting introduced as basis of our governance. And > >>>>>>> see > how exactly it matches what some of us predicted is the prime > objective at present of the US supported status quoists to get into > the text of the outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. > >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> parminder > >>>>>>> > >>>>>>> > >>>>>>>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC > >>>>>>>> got > taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most important > point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on this point - rest > is not too difficult... Lets accept what is the key point, and not skirt it... > >>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its > submission to NetMundial > >>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of > >>>>>>>> the > people, possess public authority including internet-related public > policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for legitimacy > and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to respect and protect > human rights, ensure that the rule of law is respected and that > relevant national legislation complies with their obligations under > international law. Moreover, they need to ensure that the appropriate > basic conditions both in terms of cyber-security and technical > provisions are in place. Civil society serves, and should continue to > do so, as a facilitator and notably as a source of empowerment and > credibility, especially at community level. The private sector and > particularly the technical community significantly influence and > encourage the development, distribution and accessibility of the > internet, and should continue to do so. In order to fully live up to > the potentials for economic growth, innovation, freedom of expression, > access to information and ideas and democratic participation in a knowledge society, all stakeholders involved need to work together." > >>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... > >>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>> parminder > >>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>>> -- > >>>>>>>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT > >>>>>>>>> policy > advocate, geek host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org > |awk -F! '{print $3}' > >>>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly > recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see > http://jere.my/l/pgp. > >>>>>>>>> > >>>>>>>> > >>>>>>> > >>>>>> > >>>>>> -- > >>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ > >>>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, > >>>>>> association > for progressive communications www.apc.org po box 29755, melville 2109 > south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 > >>>>> > >>>> > >>> > >>> -- > >>> ------------------------------------------------------ > >>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, > >>> association > for progressive communications www.apc.org po box 29755, melville 2109 > south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 > >> > > > > From jeanette at wzb.eu Sat Mar 8 15:09:43 2014 From: jeanette at wzb.eu (Jeanette Hofmann) Date: Sat, 08 Mar 2014 21:09:43 +0100 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <16fc01cf3ad8$f26a3f70$d73ebe50$@gmail.com> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> <531AC0CA.3010001@itforchange.net> <531B0283.60303@wzb.eu> <16fc01cf3ad8$f26a3f70$d73ebe50$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <531B7907.8060601@wzb.eu> I don't know how you can read this out of my comment. In my experience, parliaments and ministries are unable prepare legislation without drawing on external expertise. It is an illusion to think that legislation could take place as an autonomous process without external influence. There is also nothing dubious about lobbying as such. It has been around since parliaments have lobbies and most lobbyists are officially accredited with parliaments. What is problematic is that state officials often acquire the problem perceptions and mindsets of the industies they regulate. Another problem I see is that civil society won't have the capacity to intervene as much as it should to counter-balance the impact of commercial lobbying. jeanette Am 08.03.14 15:16, schrieb michael gurstein: > So it is your position that what up to this point has been ethically dubious and in some cases downright illegal i.e. the subverting (errr.. "shaping") of public policy processes to support private interests, not only legal but compulsory? > > M > > -----Original Message----- > From: bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net [mailto:bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net] On Behalf Of Jeanette Hofmann > Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2014 3:44 AM > To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; bestbits at lists.bestbits.net > Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net > > > > >> Conversely, since there is considerable interest here in >> multistakeholder policy making, even at national levels, would you >> support pharma companies, for instance, sitting in bodies making - >> actually making - health and drug policies, and big publishers in >> education policy making, and so on... > > > The problem is that the pharmaceutical companies have been doing this for decades - but behind closed doors. National legislation is not done without consulting with industries affected. Sometimes, particularly on the EU level, they even write the draft legislation. Multistakeholder offers the chance to broaden the consulation process and bring this process in the open daylight so that everybody can see what has been going on in secret. > > jeanette > > >> If not, what is the essential difference, and who decides the 'difference'? >> >> Of course state's extra-ordinary interest to control the Internet may >> be discussed here, but the state has the same kind of desire to >> control, for instance, the education system. Does it give enough basis >> for multistakeholder policy making in the education at the national level? >> Be fore-warned, that is the model of policy making that we are >> embracing here. >> >> parminder >> >>> >>> Apart from the difference between public policies and technical >>> decisions, is also the difference between original public policy >>> authority and delegated authority. These are concepts and ideas that >>> are rather well worked out in the texts of political science and >>> public administration. >>> >>> A public policy function is sovereign in the sense of not being >>> subject to a higher authority (judicial review being a different >>> matter) and is accompanied with legitimate coercive power for >>> enforcement. Such power only lies with elected representatives in >>> democracies. It cannot, for instance, be exercised by business >>> representatives . >>> >>> (At the global level, such sovereignty is exercised in a complex >>> manner whereby national legislatures often need to ratify >>> international treaties, and while many of such treaties carry >>> enforcement elements, the manner of their national application remain >>> in a somewhat complex interplay with national political systems. But >>> this system of global public policies still works.) >>> >>> As such CGI.Br does not and cannot consitutionally undertake public >>> policy function. Happy to hear counter-arguments. >>> >>> There is a huge problem with deforming the clear political >>> definitions regarding public policy etc and then find entry points >>> for big business to exercise formal political power..... Once such a >>> role is established on some areas, then this power migrates upwards >>> to cover all areas of our social and political existence. This is >>> what is happening now. >>> >>> Do note that the currently fashionable meme of 'equal footing' in >>> public policy functions does not ever circumscribe the areas where >>> big business can thus exercise formal political power, and where it >>> cannot. The multistakeholder policy making models, for instance the >>> one offered by Jeremy, applies to all areas of Internet policies at >>> the global level. Soon, it will be areas of policy in any sector at >>> the global level. Such efforts are of course already afoot. And then >>> gradually this models is brought to the national levels. >>> >>> I remain worried how few here see and fear the headlong plunge into a >>> neoliberal post-democratic system that we may be taking, and in fact >>> contributing so strongly to... >>> >>> parminder >>> >>> >>> >>>> >>>> Membership of CGI.br is of course not informal - it is quite formal, >>>> but it is multi-stakeholder. >>>> >>>> Government has more positions which is something I have heard some >>>> Brazilian civil society express concern about. But it does mean that >>>> different parts of government is represented which his important. >>>> Business is represented through industry bodies, and so on. >>>> >>>> It is an example of how governance processes can change, and how >>>> public policy making can be more inclusive and multi-stakeholder and >>>> go beyond the traditional 'government proposes policy - with or >>>> without public consulation, follwed by legislature reviewing and >>>> approving/rejecting'. >>>> >>>> From a CS perspective I think we need to lobby for traditional >>>> models to be more inclusive, for public consultation to be >>>> introduced where it does not exist, and to be improved where it >>>> does. But we should also propose and promote new models where >>>> policy-making is actually done in an inclusive MS space. >>>> >>>> Anriette >>>> >>>> >>>> On 06/03/2014 14:02, parminder wrote: >>>>> Joy >>>>> >>>>> You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. >>>>> >>>>> So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil society >>>>> statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold that >>>>> non-gov participants(which includes business)should be on the same >>>>> footing as gov participants in terms of actually /*making public >>>>> *//*policies*//*. >>>>> >>>>> */Fine. There is no room for confusion now. >>>>> >>>>> I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. >>>>> >>>>> Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy >>>>> making, which arent there in the mentioned statement, or its >>>>> accompanying statements. >>>>> >>>>> parminder >>>>> >>>>> PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. And >>>>> Joy - or is it someone else from APC - is on the steering committee >>>>> on BB... I hope such mis-statements are avoided, and when pointed >>>>> out withdrawn. Thanks. >>>>> >>>>> /* >>>>> */ >>>>> On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: >>>>>> As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter the >>>>>> full quote in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>> >>>>>> Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>> internet governance. >>>>>> >>>>>> This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder >>>>>> processes are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and >>>>>> APC has been on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder >>>>>> processes: these are simply one form of democratic participation. >>>>>> To be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other >>>>>> documents and says, taken together, certain principles relevant to >>>>>> internet governance can be deduced and should be taken forward >>>>>> into NetMundial, including human rights. >>>>>> >>>>>> I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 >>>>>> recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. >>>>>> >>>>>> It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing the >>>>>> Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: >>>>>> a) governments alone make public policy including some which is >>>>>> relevant to internet governance >>>>>> b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other when >>>>>> doing so; and >>>>>> c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and >>>>>> therefore should not be on an equal footing with governments this >>>>>> role (though they can of course be involved/consulted) . >>>>>> >>>>>> Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines that >>>>>> a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public policy >>>>>> which is relevant to internet governance >>>>>> b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing or >>>>>> parity with each other when doing so; >>>>>> >>>>>> Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission >>>>>> which simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles >>>>>> NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder >>>>>> participation and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Joy >>>>>> Joy >>>>>> On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: >>>>>>> Dear all >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and >>>>>>> the use of 'multilateral'. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> The full text in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>>> internet governance." >>>>>>> >>>>>>> When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its >>>>>>> dictionary sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties >>>>>>> and multiple countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic >>>>>>> defines how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of >>>>>>> governments, the private sector, civil society and international >>>>>>> organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent >>>>>>> role in relation to international internet governance." >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the >>>>>>> term multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as >>>>>>> meaning "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest >>>>>>> that. But we certainly did mean that governments should be >>>>>>> involved, and that no one government should dominate - but in the >>>>>>> context of the involvement of other stakeholders too. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Best >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Anriette >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>>>>>>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>>>>>>>>> > wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's >>>>>>>>>>> behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with >>>>>>>>>>> respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies >>>>>>>>>>> that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at >>>>>>>>>>> all points in the decision-making process." Well of course. >>>>>>>>>>> Two hoots to democracy! >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>>>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>>>>>>>>>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... >>>>>>>>>>> BUT... >>>>>>>>>>> /* >>>>>>>>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is different >>>>>>>>>>> from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. >>>>>>>>>>> If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all >>>>>>>>>>> stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and >>>>>>>>>>> role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. >>>>>>>>>>> Please address this point specifically. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of >>>>>>>>>> this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can >>>>>>>>>> read for yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At >>>>>>>>>> various times it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it >>>>>>>>>> became "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, >>>>>>>>>> to accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about >>>>>>>>>> how equal the stakeholder roles should be. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and >>>>>>>>> non-democracy. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in >>>>>>>>> /*decision making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and >>>>>>>>> non gov actors.... >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that >>>>>>>> this CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not >>>>>>>> multistakeholder governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to >>>>>>>> multilateral democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet >>>>>>>> governanceshould be multilateral and democratic. " >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this >>>>>>>> present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - >>>>>>>> does not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the >>>>>>>> principle inspirations. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also >>>>>>>> quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, >>>>>>>> CoE principles, and G 8 principles.... >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >>>>>>>> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term >>>>>>>> either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much >>>>>>>> subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil >>>>>>>> society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in >>>>>>>> this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance >>>>>>>> characteristics" you could think only of " openness, >>>>>>>> transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable >>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation */" (emphasis added) >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the >>>>>>>> word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur >>>>>>>> to someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the >>>>>>>> group.... Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for >>>>>>>> me to stay away from this doc. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not >>>>>>>> to get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the >>>>>>>> thin end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave >>>>>>>> new post democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream >>>>>>>> of.... It is a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed >>>>>>>> to be the Trojan Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib >>>>>>>> order. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like >>>>>>>> equitable multistakeholder participation (further explained in >>>>>>>> the emerging contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the >>>>>>>> survey) are getting introduced as basis of our governance. And >>>>>>>> see how exactly it matches what some of us predicted is the >>>>>>>> prime objective at present of the US supported status quoists to >>>>>>>> get into the text of the outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC >>>>>>>>> got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most >>>>>>>>> important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on >>>>>>>>> this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is >>>>>>>>> the key point, and not skirt it... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of >>>>>>>>> the people, possess public authority including internet-related >>>>>>>>> public policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for >>>>>>>>> legitimacy and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to >>>>>>>>> respect and protect human rights, ensure that the rule of law >>>>>>>>> is respected and that relevant national legislation complies >>>>>>>>> with their obligations under international law. Moreover, they >>>>>>>>> need to ensure that the appropriate basic conditions both in >>>>>>>>> terms of cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. >>>>>>>>> Civil society serves, and should continue to do so, as a >>>>>>>>> facilitator and notably as a source of empowerment and >>>>>>>>> credibility, especially at community level. The private sector >>>>>>>>> and particularly the technical community significantly >>>>>>>>> influence and encourage the development, distribution and >>>>>>>>> accessibility of the internet, and should continue to do so. In >>>>>>>>> order to fully live up to the potentials for economic growth, >>>>>>>>> innovation, freedom of expression, access to information and >>>>>>>>> ideas and democratic participation in a knowledge society, all >>>>>>>>> stakeholders involved need to work together." >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT >>>>>>>>>> policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR >>>>>>>>>> 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk -F! >>>>>>>>>> '{print $3}' >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >>>>>>>>>> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For >>>>>>>>>> instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> -- >>>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, >>>>>>> association for progressive communications www.apc.org po box >>>>>>> 29755, melville 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, association >>>> for progressive communications www.apc.org po box 29755, melville >>>> 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>> >> > > From jc.nothias at theglobaljournal.net Sat Mar 8 15:10:57 2014 From: jc.nothias at theglobaljournal.net (Jean-Christophe NOTHIAS I The Global Journal) Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2014 21:10:57 +0100 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> <531AC0CA.3010001@itforchange.net> <531B0283.60303@wzb.eu> Message-ID: <47433660-907B-48F1-81A7-23F5C6F93C19@theglobaljournal.net> Jeanette, Stephanie, So the positive effect of Multistakeholderism is about turning into an ordinary practice what has been going on in secret for years i.e. making corrupted process acceptable to the mass because it would conducted in plain light. What a progress!!!! The fact that Pharma Labs have been able to even write legislation is not something we should accept. They were able to do that because of their big $. Some Internet Barons are having the same money power to influence (write) legislation. Is this where all of that Multistakeholderism is leading us? Should we rejoice? Or is it that corruption in plain light is no longer corruption? Instead of legitimating corruption, we should fight against these practices. JC Le 8 mars 2014 à 20:57, Stephanie Perrin a écrit : > +1 Stephanie > On 2014-03-08, at 6:44 AM, Jeanette Hofmann wrote: > >> >> >> >>> Conversely, since there is considerable interest here in >>> multistakeholder policy making, even at national levels, would you >>> support pharma companies, for instance, sitting in bodies making - >>> actually making - health and drug policies, and big publishers in >>> education policy making, and so on... >> >> >> The problem is that the pharmaceutical companies have been doing this for decades - but behind closed doors. National legislation is not done without consulting with industries affected. Sometimes, particularly on the EU level, they even write the draft legislation. Multistakeholder offers the chance to broaden the consulation process and bring this process in the open daylight so that everybody can see what has been going on in secret. >> >> jeanette >> >> >>> If not, what is the essential difference, and who decides the 'difference'? >>> >>> Of course state's extra-ordinary interest to control the Internet may be >>> discussed here, but the state has the same kind of desire to control, >>> for instance, the education system. Does it give enough basis for >>> multistakeholder policy making in the education at the national level? >>> Be fore-warned, that is the model of policy making that we are embracing >>> here. >>> >>> parminder >>> >>>> >>>> Apart from the difference between public policies and technical >>>> decisions, is also the difference between original public policy >>>> authority and delegated authority. These are concepts and ideas that >>>> are rather well worked out in the texts of political science and >>>> public administration. >>>> >>>> A public policy function is sovereign in the sense of not being >>>> subject to a higher authority (judicial review being a different >>>> matter) and is accompanied with legitimate coercive power for >>>> enforcement. Such power only lies with elected representatives in >>>> democracies. It cannot, for instance, be exercised by business >>>> representatives . >>>> >>>> (At the global level, such sovereignty is exercised in a complex >>>> manner whereby national legislatures often need to ratify >>>> international treaties, and while many of such treaties carry >>>> enforcement elements, the manner of their national application remain >>>> in a somewhat complex interplay with national political systems. But >>>> this system of global public policies still works.) >>>> >>>> As such CGI.Br does not and cannot consitutionally undertake public >>>> policy function. Happy to hear counter-arguments. >>>> >>>> There is a huge problem with deforming the clear political definitions >>>> regarding public policy etc and then find entry points for big >>>> business to exercise formal political power..... Once such a role is >>>> established on some areas, then this power migrates upwards to cover >>>> all areas of our social and political existence. This is what is >>>> happening now. >>>> >>>> Do note that the currently fashionable meme of 'equal footing' in >>>> public policy functions does not ever circumscribe the areas where big >>>> business can thus exercise formal political power, and where it >>>> cannot. The multistakeholder policy making models, for instance the >>>> one offered by Jeremy, applies to all areas of Internet policies at >>>> the global level. Soon, it will be areas of policy in any sector at >>>> the global level. Such efforts are of course already afoot. And then >>>> gradually this models is brought to the national levels. >>>> >>>> I remain worried how few here see and fear the headlong plunge into a >>>> neoliberal post-democratic system that we may be taking, and in fact >>>> contributing so strongly to... >>>> >>>> parminder >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>> >>>>> Membership of CGI.br is of course not informal - it is quite formal, >>>>> but it is multi-stakeholder. >>>>> >>>>> Government has more positions which is something I have heard some >>>>> Brazilian civil society express concern about. But it does mean that >>>>> different parts of government is represented which his important. >>>>> Business is represented through industry bodies, and so on. >>>>> >>>>> It is an example of how governance processes can change, and how >>>>> public policy making can be more inclusive and multi-stakeholder and >>>>> go beyond the traditional 'government proposes policy - with or >>>>> without public consulation, follwed by legislature reviewing and >>>>> approving/rejecting'. >>>>> >>>>> From a CS perspective I think we need to lobby for traditional models >>>>> to be more inclusive, for public consultation to be introduced where >>>>> it does not exist, and to be improved where it does. But we should >>>>> also propose and promote new models where policy-making is actually >>>>> done in an inclusive MS space. >>>>> >>>>> Anriette >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 06/03/2014 14:02, parminder wrote: >>>>>> Joy >>>>>> >>>>>> You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. >>>>>> >>>>>> So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil society >>>>>> statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold that >>>>>> non-gov participants(which includes business)should be on the same >>>>>> footing as gov participants in terms of actually /*making public >>>>>> *//*policies*//*. >>>>>> >>>>>> */Fine. There is no room for confusion now. >>>>>> >>>>>> I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. >>>>>> >>>>>> Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy making, >>>>>> which arent there in the mentioned statement, or its accompanying >>>>>> statements. >>>>>> >>>>>> parminder >>>>>> >>>>>> PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. And >>>>>> Joy - or is it someone else from APC - is on the steering committee >>>>>> on BB... I hope such mis-statements are avoided, and when pointed >>>>>> out withdrawn. Thanks. >>>>>> >>>>>> /* >>>>>> */ >>>>>> On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: >>>>>>> As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter the >>>>>>> full quote in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>>> internet governance. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder processes >>>>>>> are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and APC has >>>>>>> been on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder >>>>>>> processes: these are simply one form of democratic participation. >>>>>>> To be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other >>>>>>> documents and says, taken together, certain principles relevant to >>>>>>> internet governance can be deduced and should be taken forward into >>>>>>> NetMundial, including human rights. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 >>>>>>> recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing the >>>>>>> Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: >>>>>>> a) governments alone make public policy including some which is >>>>>>> relevant to internet governance >>>>>>> b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other when >>>>>>> doing so; and >>>>>>> c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and >>>>>>> therefore should not be on an equal footing with governments this >>>>>>> role (though they can of course be involved/consulted) . >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines that >>>>>>> a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public policy >>>>>>> which is relevant to internet governance >>>>>>> b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing or >>>>>>> parity with each other when doing so; >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission >>>>>>> which simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles >>>>>>> NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder participation >>>>>>> and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>> On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: >>>>>>>> Dear all >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and >>>>>>>> the use of 'multilateral'. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> The full text in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>>>> internet governance." >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its dictionary >>>>>>>> sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties and multiple >>>>>>>> countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic >>>>>>>> defines how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of >>>>>>>> governments, the private sector, civil society and international >>>>>>>> organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent role >>>>>>>> in relation to international internet governance." >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the >>>>>>>> term multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as >>>>>>>> meaning "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest >>>>>>>> that. But we certainly did mean that governments should be >>>>>>>> involved, and that no one government should dominate - but in the >>>>>>>> context of the involvement of other stakeholders too. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Best >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Anriette >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>>>>>>>>> > wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's >>>>>>>>>>>> behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with >>>>>>>>>>>> respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies >>>>>>>>>>>> that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at >>>>>>>>>>>> all points in the decision-making process." Well of course. >>>>>>>>>>>> Two hoots to democracy! >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>>>>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>>>>>>>>>>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... >>>>>>>>>>>> BUT... >>>>>>>>>>>> /* >>>>>>>>>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>>>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is different >>>>>>>>>>>> from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. >>>>>>>>>>>> If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all >>>>>>>>>>>> stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and >>>>>>>>>>>> role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. >>>>>>>>>>>> Please address this point specifically. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of >>>>>>>>>>> this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can >>>>>>>>>>> read for yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At >>>>>>>>>>> various times it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it >>>>>>>>>>> became "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, >>>>>>>>>>> to accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about >>>>>>>>>>> how equal the stakeholder roles should be. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and >>>>>>>>>> non-democracy. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in >>>>>>>>>> /*decision making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and >>>>>>>>>> non gov actors.... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that >>>>>>>>> this CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not >>>>>>>>> multistakeholder governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to >>>>>>>>> multilateral democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet >>>>>>>>> governanceshould be multilateral and democratic. " >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this >>>>>>>>> present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - >>>>>>>>> does not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the >>>>>>>>> principle inspirations. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also >>>>>>>>> quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, >>>>>>>>> CoE principles, and G 8 principles.... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >>>>>>>>> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term >>>>>>>>> either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much >>>>>>>>> subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil >>>>>>>>> society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in >>>>>>>>> this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance >>>>>>>>> characteristics" you could think only of " openness, >>>>>>>>> transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable >>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation */" (emphasis added) >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the >>>>>>>>> word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur >>>>>>>>> to someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the >>>>>>>>> group.... Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for >>>>>>>>> me to stay away from this doc. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not >>>>>>>>> to get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the >>>>>>>>> thin end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave new >>>>>>>>> post democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream >>>>>>>>> of.... It is a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed >>>>>>>>> to be the Trojan Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib >>>>>>>>> order. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like >>>>>>>>> equitable multistakeholder participation (further explained in >>>>>>>>> the emerging contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the >>>>>>>>> survey) are getting introduced as basis of our governance. And >>>>>>>>> see how exactly it matches what some of us predicted is the prime >>>>>>>>> objective at present of the US supported status quoists to get >>>>>>>>> into the text of the outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC >>>>>>>>>> got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most >>>>>>>>>> important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on >>>>>>>>>> this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is >>>>>>>>>> the key point, and not skirt it... >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >>>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of >>>>>>>>>> the people, possess public authority including internet-related >>>>>>>>>> public policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for >>>>>>>>>> legitimacy and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to >>>>>>>>>> respect and protect human rights, ensure that the rule of law is >>>>>>>>>> respected and that relevant national legislation complies with >>>>>>>>>> their obligations under international law. Moreover, they need >>>>>>>>>> to ensure that the appropriate basic conditions both in terms of >>>>>>>>>> cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. Civil >>>>>>>>>> society serves, and should continue to do so, as a facilitator >>>>>>>>>> and notably as a source of empowerment and credibility, >>>>>>>>>> especially at community level. The private sector and >>>>>>>>>> particularly the technical community significantly influence and >>>>>>>>>> encourage the development, distribution and accessibility of the >>>>>>>>>> internet, and should continue to do so. In order to fully live >>>>>>>>>> up to the potentials for economic growth, innovation, freedom of >>>>>>>>>> expression, access to information and ideas and democratic >>>>>>>>>> participation in a knowledge society, all stakeholders involved >>>>>>>>>> need to work together." >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com >>>>>>>>>>> Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek >>>>>>>>>>> host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org >>>>>>>>>>> |awk -F! '{print $3}' >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >>>>>>>>>>> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, >>>>>>>>>>> see http://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org >>>>>>>> executive director, association for progressive communications >>>>>>>> www.apc.org >>>>>>>> po box 29755, melville 2109 >>>>>>>> south africa >>>>>>>> tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org >>>>> executive director, association for progressive communications >>>>> www.apc.org >>>>> po box 29755, melville 2109 >>>>> south africa >>>>> tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>> >>> >> >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> To be removed from the list, visit: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >> >> For all other list information and functions, see: >> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >> >> Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t > > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jc.nothias at theglobaljournal.net Sat Mar 8 15:57:29 2014 From: jc.nothias at theglobaljournal.net (Jean-Christophe NOTHIAS I The Global Journal) Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2014 21:57:29 +0100 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <531B7907.8060601@wzb.eu> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> <531AC0CA.3010001@itforchange.net> <531B0283.60303@wzb.eu> <16fc01cf3ad8$f26a3f70$d73ebe50$@gmail.com> <531B7907.8060601@wzb.eu> Message-ID: <05A67F32-4759-43F8-BBBF-F1A5241CA6F3@theglobaljournal.net> Jeanette, The difficulty lies on those grey zones you are enjoying, Is your experience of civil servants - unable to prepare legislation without drawing on external expertise - large enough for coming to conclusion that without lobbyists, and big corps, civil servants are not able to accomplish their task? Have you got any documentation on this? Or is this something that is very well known, but undocumented for some reasons? And, if any civil servants on the list, do you agree with that understanding of civil servants poor capacities? Maybe we should ask them outside of these governance and Best bits listing? On top of civil servants, you add that civil society has no capacity to counterbalance big corps... At the end of the day, who has true capacity in your multistakeholder prism? No civil servants, no civil society... So who's able? Corporate servants, corporate society.. With such a vision, I doubt you believe in multistakeholderism: why do you bother with civil servants and civil society? All of that sounds really like non sense. But maybe I need to join a multistakholder meeting, so to understand more of the real life. Jeanette, All of this is really going insane. Michael is so right JC Le 8 mars 2014 à 21:09, Jeanette Hofmann a écrit : > I don't know how you can read this out of my comment. > > In my experience, parliaments and ministries are unable prepare legislation without drawing on external expertise. It is an illusion to think that legislation could take place as an autonomous process without external influence. > There is also nothing dubious about lobbying as such. It has been around since parliaments have lobbies and most lobbyists are officially accredited with parliaments. What is problematic is that state officials often acquire the problem perceptions and mindsets of the industies they regulate. > > Another problem I see is that civil society won't have the capacity to intervene as much as it should to counter-balance the impact of commercial lobbying. > > jeanette > > Am 08.03.14 15:16, schrieb michael gurstein: >> So it is your position that what up to this point has been ethically dubious and in some cases downright illegal i.e. the subverting (errr.. "shaping") of public policy processes to support private interests, not only legal but compulsory? >> >> M >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net [mailto:bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net] On Behalf Of Jeanette Hofmann >> Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2014 3:44 AM >> To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; bestbits at lists.bestbits.net >> Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net >> >> >> >> >>> Conversely, since there is considerable interest here in >>> multistakeholder policy making, even at national levels, would you >>> support pharma companies, for instance, sitting in bodies making - >>> actually making - health and drug policies, and big publishers in >>> education policy making, and so on... >> >> >> The problem is that the pharmaceutical companies have been doing this for decades - but behind closed doors. National legislation is not done without consulting with industries affected. Sometimes, particularly on the EU level, they even write the draft legislation. Multistakeholder offers the chance to broaden the consulation process and bring this process in the open daylight so that everybody can see what has been going on in secret. >> >> jeanette >> >> >>> If not, what is the essential difference, and who decides the 'difference'? >>> >>> Of course state's extra-ordinary interest to control the Internet may >>> be discussed here, but the state has the same kind of desire to >>> control, for instance, the education system. Does it give enough basis >>> for multistakeholder policy making in the education at the national level? >>> Be fore-warned, that is the model of policy making that we are >>> embracing here. >>> >>> parminder >>> >>>> >>>> Apart from the difference between public policies and technical >>>> decisions, is also the difference between original public policy >>>> authority and delegated authority. These are concepts and ideas that >>>> are rather well worked out in the texts of political science and >>>> public administration. >>>> >>>> A public policy function is sovereign in the sense of not being >>>> subject to a higher authority (judicial review being a different >>>> matter) and is accompanied with legitimate coercive power for >>>> enforcement. Such power only lies with elected representatives in >>>> democracies. It cannot, for instance, be exercised by business >>>> representatives . >>>> >>>> (At the global level, such sovereignty is exercised in a complex >>>> manner whereby national legislatures often need to ratify >>>> international treaties, and while many of such treaties carry >>>> enforcement elements, the manner of their national application remain >>>> in a somewhat complex interplay with national political systems. But >>>> this system of global public policies still works.) >>>> >>>> As such CGI.Br does not and cannot consitutionally undertake public >>>> policy function. Happy to hear counter-arguments. >>>> >>>> There is a huge problem with deforming the clear political >>>> definitions regarding public policy etc and then find entry points >>>> for big business to exercise formal political power..... Once such a >>>> role is established on some areas, then this power migrates upwards >>>> to cover all areas of our social and political existence. This is >>>> what is happening now. >>>> >>>> Do note that the currently fashionable meme of 'equal footing' in >>>> public policy functions does not ever circumscribe the areas where >>>> big business can thus exercise formal political power, and where it >>>> cannot. The multistakeholder policy making models, for instance the >>>> one offered by Jeremy, applies to all areas of Internet policies at >>>> the global level. Soon, it will be areas of policy in any sector at >>>> the global level. Such efforts are of course already afoot. And then >>>> gradually this models is brought to the national levels. >>>> >>>> I remain worried how few here see and fear the headlong plunge into a >>>> neoliberal post-democratic system that we may be taking, and in fact >>>> contributing so strongly to... >>>> >>>> parminder >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>> >>>>> Membership of CGI.br is of course not informal - it is quite formal, >>>>> but it is multi-stakeholder. >>>>> >>>>> Government has more positions which is something I have heard some >>>>> Brazilian civil society express concern about. But it does mean that >>>>> different parts of government is represented which his important. >>>>> Business is represented through industry bodies, and so on. >>>>> >>>>> It is an example of how governance processes can change, and how >>>>> public policy making can be more inclusive and multi-stakeholder and >>>>> go beyond the traditional 'government proposes policy - with or >>>>> without public consulation, follwed by legislature reviewing and >>>>> approving/rejecting'. >>>>> >>>>> From a CS perspective I think we need to lobby for traditional >>>>> models to be more inclusive, for public consultation to be >>>>> introduced where it does not exist, and to be improved where it >>>>> does. But we should also propose and promote new models where >>>>> policy-making is actually done in an inclusive MS space. >>>>> >>>>> Anriette >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 06/03/2014 14:02, parminder wrote: >>>>>> Joy >>>>>> >>>>>> You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. >>>>>> >>>>>> So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil society >>>>>> statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold that >>>>>> non-gov participants(which includes business)should be on the same >>>>>> footing as gov participants in terms of actually /*making public >>>>>> *//*policies*//*. >>>>>> >>>>>> */Fine. There is no room for confusion now. >>>>>> >>>>>> I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. >>>>>> >>>>>> Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy >>>>>> making, which arent there in the mentioned statement, or its >>>>>> accompanying statements. >>>>>> >>>>>> parminder >>>>>> >>>>>> PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. And >>>>>> Joy - or is it someone else from APC - is on the steering committee >>>>>> on BB... I hope such mis-statements are avoided, and when pointed >>>>>> out withdrawn. Thanks. >>>>>> >>>>>> /* >>>>>> */ >>>>>> On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: >>>>>>> As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter the >>>>>>> full quote in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>>> internet governance. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder >>>>>>> processes are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and >>>>>>> APC has been on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder >>>>>>> processes: these are simply one form of democratic participation. >>>>>>> To be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other >>>>>>> documents and says, taken together, certain principles relevant to >>>>>>> internet governance can be deduced and should be taken forward >>>>>>> into NetMundial, including human rights. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 >>>>>>> recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing the >>>>>>> Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: >>>>>>> a) governments alone make public policy including some which is >>>>>>> relevant to internet governance >>>>>>> b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other when >>>>>>> doing so; and >>>>>>> c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and >>>>>>> therefore should not be on an equal footing with governments this >>>>>>> role (though they can of course be involved/consulted) . >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines that >>>>>>> a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public policy >>>>>>> which is relevant to internet governance >>>>>>> b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing or >>>>>>> parity with each other when doing so; >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission >>>>>>> which simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles >>>>>>> NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder >>>>>>> participation and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>> On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: >>>>>>>> Dear all >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and >>>>>>>> the use of 'multilateral'. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> The full text in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>>>> internet governance." >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its >>>>>>>> dictionary sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties >>>>>>>> and multiple countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic >>>>>>>> defines how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of >>>>>>>> governments, the private sector, civil society and international >>>>>>>> organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent >>>>>>>> role in relation to international internet governance." >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the >>>>>>>> term multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as >>>>>>>> meaning "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest >>>>>>>> that. But we certainly did mean that governments should be >>>>>>>> involved, and that no one government should dominate - but in the >>>>>>>> context of the involvement of other stakeholders too. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Best >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Anriette >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>>>>>>>>>> > wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's >>>>>>>>>>>> behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with >>>>>>>>>>>> respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies >>>>>>>>>>>> that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at >>>>>>>>>>>> all points in the decision-making process." Well of course. >>>>>>>>>>>> Two hoots to democracy! >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>>>>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>>>>>>>>>>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... >>>>>>>>>>>> BUT... >>>>>>>>>>>> /* >>>>>>>>>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>>>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is different >>>>>>>>>>>> from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. >>>>>>>>>>>> If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all >>>>>>>>>>>> stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and >>>>>>>>>>>> role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. >>>>>>>>>>>> Please address this point specifically. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of >>>>>>>>>>> this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can >>>>>>>>>>> read for yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At >>>>>>>>>>> various times it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it >>>>>>>>>>> became "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, >>>>>>>>>>> to accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about >>>>>>>>>>> how equal the stakeholder roles should be. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and >>>>>>>>>> non-democracy. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in >>>>>>>>>> /*decision making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and >>>>>>>>>> non gov actors.... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that >>>>>>>>> this CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not >>>>>>>>> multistakeholder governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to >>>>>>>>> multilateral democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet >>>>>>>>> governanceshould be multilateral and democratic. " >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this >>>>>>>>> present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - >>>>>>>>> does not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the >>>>>>>>> principle inspirations. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also >>>>>>>>> quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, >>>>>>>>> CoE principles, and G 8 principles.... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >>>>>>>>> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term >>>>>>>>> either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much >>>>>>>>> subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil >>>>>>>>> society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in >>>>>>>>> this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance >>>>>>>>> characteristics" you could think only of " openness, >>>>>>>>> transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable >>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation */" (emphasis added) >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the >>>>>>>>> word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur >>>>>>>>> to someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the >>>>>>>>> group.... Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for >>>>>>>>> me to stay away from this doc. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not >>>>>>>>> to get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the >>>>>>>>> thin end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave >>>>>>>>> new post democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream >>>>>>>>> of.... It is a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed >>>>>>>>> to be the Trojan Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib >>>>>>>>> order. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like >>>>>>>>> equitable multistakeholder participation (further explained in >>>>>>>>> the emerging contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the >>>>>>>>> survey) are getting introduced as basis of our governance. And >>>>>>>>> see how exactly it matches what some of us predicted is the >>>>>>>>> prime objective at present of the US supported status quoists to >>>>>>>>> get into the text of the outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC >>>>>>>>>> got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most >>>>>>>>>> important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on >>>>>>>>>> this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is >>>>>>>>>> the key point, and not skirt it... >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >>>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of >>>>>>>>>> the people, possess public authority including internet-related >>>>>>>>>> public policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for >>>>>>>>>> legitimacy and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to >>>>>>>>>> respect and protect human rights, ensure that the rule of law >>>>>>>>>> is respected and that relevant national legislation complies >>>>>>>>>> with their obligations under international law. Moreover, they >>>>>>>>>> need to ensure that the appropriate basic conditions both in >>>>>>>>>> terms of cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. >>>>>>>>>> Civil society serves, and should continue to do so, as a >>>>>>>>>> facilitator and notably as a source of empowerment and >>>>>>>>>> credibility, especially at community level. The private sector >>>>>>>>>> and particularly the technical community significantly >>>>>>>>>> influence and encourage the development, distribution and >>>>>>>>>> accessibility of the internet, and should continue to do so. In >>>>>>>>>> order to fully live up to the potentials for economic growth, >>>>>>>>>> innovation, freedom of expression, access to information and >>>>>>>>>> ideas and democratic participation in a knowledge society, all >>>>>>>>>> stakeholders involved need to work together." >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT >>>>>>>>>>> policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR >>>>>>>>>>> 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk -F! >>>>>>>>>>> '{print $3}' >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >>>>>>>>>>> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For >>>>>>>>>>> instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, >>>>>>>> association for progressive communications www.apc.org po box >>>>>>>> 29755, melville 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, association >>>>> for progressive communications www.apc.org po box 29755, melville >>>>> 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>> >>> >> >> > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t From erik.josefsson at europarl.europa.eu Sat Mar 8 16:13:02 2014 From: erik.josefsson at europarl.europa.eu (JOSEFSSON Erik) Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2014 21:13:02 +0000 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <05A67F32-4759-43F8-BBBF-F1A5241CA6F3@theglobaljournal.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> <531AC0CA.3010001@itforchange.net> <531B0283.60303@wzb.eu> <16fc01cf3ad8$f26a3f70$d73ebe50$@gmail.com> <531B7907.8060601@wzb.eu>,<05A67F32-4759-43F8-BBBF-F1A5241CA6F3@theglobaljournal.net> Message-ID: <4B654B63C9A4614EA1F088B2490E8F3A02274500@UCEXBWP009.ep.parl.union.eu> Not sure I count as a civil servant, but I am quite familiar with the scenario that legislation is prepared by external expertise. To me, the question whether the preparation and its process is publicly archived is crucial. I don't know of any other way to tell an activist from a lobbyist, civil society from corporate interests. Best regards. //Erik -- Erik Josefsson Advisor on Internet Policies Greens/EFA Group GSM: +32484082063 BXL: PHS 04C075 TEL: +3222832667 SBG: WIC M03005 TEL: +33388173776 ________________________________ From: bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net [bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net] on behalf of Jean-Christophe NOTHIAS I The Global Journal [jc.nothias at theglobaljournal.net] Sent: Saturday 8 March 2014 21:57 To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; Jeanette Hofmann Cc: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net Jeanette, The difficulty lies on those grey zones you are enjoying, Is your experience of civil servants - unable to prepare legislation without drawing on external expertise - large enough for coming to conclusion that without lobbyists, and big corps, civil servants are not able to accomplish their task? Have you got any documentation on this? Or is this something that is very well known, but undocumented for some reasons? And, if any civil servants on the list, do you agree with that understanding of civil servants poor capacities? Maybe we should ask them outside of these governance and Best bits listing? On top of civil servants, you add that civil society has no capacity to counterbalance big corps... At the end of the day, who has true capacity in your multistakeholder prism? No civil servants, no civil society... So who's able? Corporate servants, corporate society.. With such a vision, I doubt you believe in multistakeholderism: why do you bother with civil servants and civil society? All of that sounds really like non sense. But maybe I need to join a multistakholder meeting, so to understand more of the real life. Jeanette, All of this is really going insane. Michael is so right JC Le 8 mars 2014 à 21:09, Jeanette Hofmann a écrit : > I don't know how you can read this out of my comment. > > In my experience, parliaments and ministries are unable prepare legislation without drawing on external expertise. It is an illusion to think that legislation could take place as an autonomous process without external influence. > There is also nothing dubious about lobbying as such. It has been around since parliaments have lobbies and most lobbyists are officially accredited with parliaments. What is problematic is that state officials often acquire the problem perceptions and mindsets of the industies they regulate. > > Another problem I see is that civil society won't have the capacity to intervene as much as it should to counter-balance the impact of commercial lobbying. > > jeanette > > Am 08.03.14 15:16, schrieb michael gurstein: >> So it is your position that what up to this point has been ethically dubious and in some cases downright illegal i.e. the subverting (errr.. "shaping") of public policy processes to support private interests, not only legal but compulsory? >> >> M >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net [mailto:bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net] On Behalf Of Jeanette Hofmann >> Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2014 3:44 AM >> To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; bestbits at lists.bestbits.net >> Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net >> >> >> >> >>> Conversely, since there is considerable interest here in >>> multistakeholder policy making, even at national levels, would you >>> support pharma companies, for instance, sitting in bodies making - >>> actually making - health and drug policies, and big publishers in >>> education policy making, and so on... >> >> >> The problem is that the pharmaceutical companies have been doing this for decades - but behind closed doors. National legislation is not done without consulting with industries affected. Sometimes, particularly on the EU level, they even write the draft legislation. Multistakeholder offers the chance to broaden the consulation process and bring this process in the open daylight so that everybody can see what has been going on in secret. >> >> jeanette >> >> >>> If not, what is the essential difference, and who decides the 'difference'? >>> >>> Of course state's extra-ordinary interest to control the Internet may >>> be discussed here, but the state has the same kind of desire to >>> control, for instance, the education system. Does it give enough basis >>> for multistakeholder policy making in the education at the national level? >>> Be fore-warned, that is the model of policy making that we are >>> embracing here. >>> >>> parminder >>> >>>> >>>> Apart from the difference between public policies and technical >>>> decisions, is also the difference between original public policy >>>> authority and delegated authority. These are concepts and ideas that >>>> are rather well worked out in the texts of political science and >>>> public administration. >>>> >>>> A public policy function is sovereign in the sense of not being >>>> subject to a higher authority (judicial review being a different >>>> matter) and is accompanied with legitimate coercive power for >>>> enforcement. Such power only lies with elected representatives in >>>> democracies. It cannot, for instance, be exercised by business >>>> representatives . >>>> >>>> (At the global level, such sovereignty is exercised in a complex >>>> manner whereby national legislatures often need to ratify >>>> international treaties, and while many of such treaties carry >>>> enforcement elements, the manner of their national application remain >>>> in a somewhat complex interplay with national political systems. But >>>> this system of global public policies still works.) >>>> >>>> As such CGI.Br does not and cannot consitutionally undertake public >>>> policy function. Happy to hear counter-arguments. >>>> >>>> There is a huge problem with deforming the clear political >>>> definitions regarding public policy etc and then find entry points >>>> for big business to exercise formal political power..... Once such a >>>> role is established on some areas, then this power migrates upwards >>>> to cover all areas of our social and political existence. This is >>>> what is happening now. >>>> >>>> Do note that the currently fashionable meme of 'equal footing' in >>>> public policy functions does not ever circumscribe the areas where >>>> big business can thus exercise formal political power, and where it >>>> cannot. The multistakeholder policy making models, for instance the >>>> one offered by Jeremy, applies to all areas of Internet policies at >>>> the global level. Soon, it will be areas of policy in any sector at >>>> the global level. Such efforts are of course already afoot. And then >>>> gradually this models is brought to the national levels. >>>> >>>> I remain worried how few here see and fear the headlong plunge into a >>>> neoliberal post-democratic system that we may be taking, and in fact >>>> contributing so strongly to... >>>> >>>> parminder >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>> >>>>> Membership of CGI.br is of course not informal - it is quite formal, >>>>> but it is multi-stakeholder. >>>>> >>>>> Government has more positions which is something I have heard some >>>>> Brazilian civil society express concern about. But it does mean that >>>>> different parts of government is represented which his important. >>>>> Business is represented through industry bodies, and so on. >>>>> >>>>> It is an example of how governance processes can change, and how >>>>> public policy making can be more inclusive and multi-stakeholder and >>>>> go beyond the traditional 'government proposes policy - with or >>>>> without public consulation, follwed by legislature reviewing and >>>>> approving/rejecting'. >>>>> >>>>> From a CS perspective I think we need to lobby for traditional >>>>> models to be more inclusive, for public consultation to be >>>>> introduced where it does not exist, and to be improved where it >>>>> does. But we should also propose and promote new models where >>>>> policy-making is actually done in an inclusive MS space. >>>>> >>>>> Anriette >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 06/03/2014 14:02, parminder wrote: >>>>>> Joy >>>>>> >>>>>> You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. >>>>>> >>>>>> So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil society >>>>>> statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold that >>>>>> non-gov participants(which includes business)should be on the same >>>>>> footing as gov participants in terms of actually /*making public >>>>>> *//*policies*//*. >>>>>> >>>>>> */Fine. There is no room for confusion now. >>>>>> >>>>>> I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. >>>>>> >>>>>> Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy >>>>>> making, which arent there in the mentioned statement, or its >>>>>> accompanying statements. >>>>>> >>>>>> parminder >>>>>> >>>>>> PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. And >>>>>> Joy - or is it someone else from APC - is on the steering committee >>>>>> on BB... I hope such mis-statements are avoided, and when pointed >>>>>> out withdrawn. Thanks. >>>>>> >>>>>> /* >>>>>> */ >>>>>> On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: >>>>>>> As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter the >>>>>>> full quote in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>>> internet governance. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder >>>>>>> processes are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and >>>>>>> APC has been on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder >>>>>>> processes: these are simply one form of democratic participation. >>>>>>> To be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other >>>>>>> documents and says, taken together, certain principles relevant to >>>>>>> internet governance can be deduced and should be taken forward >>>>>>> into NetMundial, including human rights. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 >>>>>>> recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing the >>>>>>> Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: >>>>>>> a) governments alone make public policy including some which is >>>>>>> relevant to internet governance >>>>>>> b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other when >>>>>>> doing so; and >>>>>>> c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and >>>>>>> therefore should not be on an equal footing with governments this >>>>>>> role (though they can of course be involved/consulted) . >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines that >>>>>>> a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public policy >>>>>>> which is relevant to internet governance >>>>>>> b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing or >>>>>>> parity with each other when doing so; >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission >>>>>>> which simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles >>>>>>> NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder >>>>>>> participation and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>> On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: >>>>>>>> Dear all >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and >>>>>>>> the use of 'multilateral'. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> The full text in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>>>> internet governance." >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its >>>>>>>> dictionary sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties >>>>>>>> and multiple countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic >>>>>>>> defines how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of >>>>>>>> governments, the private sector, civil society and international >>>>>>>> organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent >>>>>>>> role in relation to international internet governance." >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the >>>>>>>> term multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as >>>>>>>> meaning "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest >>>>>>>> that. But we certainly did mean that governments should be >>>>>>>> involved, and that no one government should dominate - but in the >>>>>>>> context of the involvement of other stakeholders too. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Best >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Anriette >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>>>>>>>>>> > wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's >>>>>>>>>>>> behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with >>>>>>>>>>>> respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies >>>>>>>>>>>> that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at >>>>>>>>>>>> all points in the decision-making process." Well of course. >>>>>>>>>>>> Two hoots to democracy! >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>>>>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>>>>>>>>>>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... >>>>>>>>>>>> BUT... >>>>>>>>>>>> /* >>>>>>>>>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>>>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is different >>>>>>>>>>>> from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. >>>>>>>>>>>> If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all >>>>>>>>>>>> stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and >>>>>>>>>>>> role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. >>>>>>>>>>>> Please address this point specifically. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of >>>>>>>>>>> this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can >>>>>>>>>>> read for yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At >>>>>>>>>>> various times it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it >>>>>>>>>>> became "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, >>>>>>>>>>> to accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about >>>>>>>>>>> how equal the stakeholder roles should be. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and >>>>>>>>>> non-democracy. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in >>>>>>>>>> /*decision making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and >>>>>>>>>> non gov actors.... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that >>>>>>>>> this CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not >>>>>>>>> multistakeholder governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to >>>>>>>>> multilateral democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet >>>>>>>>> governanceshould be multilateral and democratic. " >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this >>>>>>>>> present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - >>>>>>>>> does not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the >>>>>>>>> principle inspirations. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also >>>>>>>>> quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, >>>>>>>>> CoE principles, and G 8 principles.... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >>>>>>>>> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term >>>>>>>>> either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much >>>>>>>>> subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil >>>>>>>>> society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in >>>>>>>>> this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance >>>>>>>>> characteristics" you could think only of " openness, >>>>>>>>> transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable >>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation */" (emphasis added) >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the >>>>>>>>> word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur >>>>>>>>> to someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the >>>>>>>>> group.... Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for >>>>>>>>> me to stay away from this doc. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not >>>>>>>>> to get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the >>>>>>>>> thin end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave >>>>>>>>> new post democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream >>>>>>>>> of.... It is a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed >>>>>>>>> to be the Trojan Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib >>>>>>>>> order. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like >>>>>>>>> equitable multistakeholder participation (further explained in >>>>>>>>> the emerging contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the >>>>>>>>> survey) are getting introduced as basis of our governance. And >>>>>>>>> see how exactly it matches what some of us predicted is the >>>>>>>>> prime objective at present of the US supported status quoists to >>>>>>>>> get into the text of the outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC >>>>>>>>>> got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most >>>>>>>>>> important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on >>>>>>>>>> this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is >>>>>>>>>> the key point, and not skirt it... >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >>>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of >>>>>>>>>> the people, possess public authority including internet-related >>>>>>>>>> public policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for >>>>>>>>>> legitimacy and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to >>>>>>>>>> respect and protect human rights, ensure that the rule of law >>>>>>>>>> is respected and that relevant national legislation complies >>>>>>>>>> with their obligations under international law. Moreover, they >>>>>>>>>> need to ensure that the appropriate basic conditions both in >>>>>>>>>> terms of cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. >>>>>>>>>> Civil society serves, and should continue to do so, as a >>>>>>>>>> facilitator and notably as a source of empowerment and >>>>>>>>>> credibility, especially at community level. The private sector >>>>>>>>>> and particularly the technical community significantly >>>>>>>>>> influence and encourage the development, distribution and >>>>>>>>>> accessibility of the internet, and should continue to do so. In >>>>>>>>>> order to fully live up to the potentials for economic growth, >>>>>>>>>> innovation, freedom of expression, access to information and >>>>>>>>>> ideas and democratic participation in a knowledge society, all >>>>>>>>>> stakeholders involved need to work together." >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT >>>>>>>>>>> policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR >>>>>>>>>>> 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk -F! >>>>>>>>>>> '{print $3}' >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >>>>>>>>>>> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For >>>>>>>>>>> instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, >>>>>>>> association for progressive communications www.apc.org po box >>>>>>>> 29755, melville 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, association >>>>> for progressive communications www.apc.org po box 29755, melville >>>>> 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>> >>> >> >> > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. 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URL: From gurstein at gmail.com Sat Mar 8 17:12:01 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2014 14:12:01 -0800 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> <531AC0CA.3010001@itforchange.net> <531B0283.60303@wzb.eu> <16fc01cf3ad8$f26a3f70$d73ebe50$@gmail.com> <531B7907.8060601@wzb.eu> <05A67F32-4759-43F8-BBBF-F1A5241CA6F3@theglobaljournal.net> Message-ID: <17bb01cf3b1b$6e92e470$4bb8ad50$@gmail.com> Stephanie, I have no problem at all with what you are describing as "MSism" which I see as a necessary and desirable enhancement of consultation processes within a broad democratic decision-making framework. http://gurstein.wordpress.com/2013/03/21/in-defense-of-multistakeholder-proc esses/ Where I do have problems however are: 1. I'm never clear precisely what is meant by MSism in any particular context since its advocates seem to pull definitions out of the air to suit whatever supports their position of the moment. Your explication of what you mean is very useful and I would think unproblematic but is I would suggest not universally shared in MSist circles. Some clarity in this would be desirable otherwise we are being asked to accept a "pig in a poke" in some highly crucial areas. (These were the basis of the questions I posed earlier and which to date have yet to be addressed.) 2. MSism in this, our context is not exclusively about consultation processes but rather and more frequently about public policy decision making processes with the notions of MSism determining who is at the table (the various "stakeholders") and where the designated process is one of "consensus" which means in fact that any of the "stakeholders" gets to veto and thus largely determine the outcome decision. In this latter process how and by whom "stakeholders" are designated (or self-designate), their internal processes of selection (and exclusion), the overall transparency and accountability of these processes of course, becomes absolutely crucial since the outcome of these MS processes will be determined by those having inputs into those processes and if those processes are flawed or corrupted then the outputs will be flawed or corrupted. M -----Original Message----- From: governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org [mailto:governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org] On Behalf Of Stephanie Perrin Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2014 1:36 PM To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; Jean-Christophe NOTHIAS I The Global Journal Cc: Jeanette Hofmann; bestbits at lists.bestbits.net Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net If I may jump in and respond, having been a civil servant for 30 years...we are not stupid. One does need inside information to fully understand the impact of regulation. One of the bigger problems in government these days is complexity, coupled with the speed of change. Coming up with, lets say, (in order to get away from pharma for a moment) agricultural regulations, you need to consult industry, farmers, consumers, shippers, anti-poverty activists, environmental experts, etc. You need to understand world markets and world impacts. You do not, as public servants, have this knowledge fall down on scrolls from heaven. Impact assessment of your proposed regulation has to come from the stakeholders, hopefully by talking to them or running public calls for comment. Now here is where multi-stakeholderism has merit over multilateralism. In true, bottom-up multistakeholderism, if you want to contribute, you can. In multilateral or normal government regulation making, the involvement of all stakeholders can vary enormously, from fully transparent democratic calls for involvement, to nothing. Some countries or even policy areas within government consult only with industry associations, which may favour big players. Consumer and human rights advocates may or may not be consulted, and if they are they are sometimes hand picked. This is documented in political science literature. My point is that in good multi-stakeholder practice, the governing or rule-making party has less control of the outcome, because participation is more democratic. There will always be the issue of who has the time, money, and training to provide input, to go to the meetings, etc., but the process is harder for big players to manipulate and hopefully is more fair and equitable. When you multiply that over the many countries that have a stake in Internet governance (i.e. all of them) then it seems to me very clear that multi-stakeholderism, however flawed, stands to be a more open and inclusive process. I would hope that civil society would see fit to support it and make it better. Stephanie Perrin PS if I may, as a newcomer to this list....life is complicated, there are indeed mostly grey areas. It would be great if we could come up with positive proposals for how to make these systems work better, rather than argue. I would repeat my proposal that doing broad-based impact assessment on all Internet governance decisions, with comment periods, might help mitigate some of the dissatisfaction with results, and improve learning. On 2014-03-08, at 3:57 PM, Jean-Christophe NOTHIAS I The Global Journal wrote: > Jeanette, > > The difficulty lies on those grey zones you are enjoying, > > Is your experience of civil servants - unable to prepare legislation without drawing on external expertise - large enough for coming to conclusion that without lobbyists, and big corps, civil servants are not able to accomplish their task? Have you got any documentation on this? Or is this something that is very well known, but undocumented for some reasons? And, if any civil servants on the list, do you agree with that understanding of civil servants poor capacities? Maybe we should ask them outside of these governance and Best bits listing? > > On top of civil servants, you add that civil society has no capacity to counterbalance big corps... > > At the end of the day, who has true capacity in your multistakeholder prism? > No civil servants, no civil society... > So who's able? > Corporate servants, corporate society.. > > With such a vision, I doubt you believe in multistakeholderism: why do you bother with civil servants and civil society? > > All of that sounds really like non sense. But maybe I need to join a multistakholder meeting, so to understand more of the real life. > > Jeanette, > > All of this is really going insane. > > Michael is so right > > JC > > > Le 8 mars 2014 à 21:09, Jeanette Hofmann a écrit : > >> I don't know how you can read this out of my comment. >> >> In my experience, parliaments and ministries are unable prepare legislation without drawing on external expertise. It is an illusion to think that legislation could take place as an autonomous process without external influence. >> There is also nothing dubious about lobbying as such. It has been around since parliaments have lobbies and most lobbyists are officially accredited with parliaments. What is problematic is that state officials often acquire the problem perceptions and mindsets of the industies they regulate. >> >> Another problem I see is that civil society won't have the capacity to intervene as much as it should to counter-balance the impact of commercial lobbying. >> >> jeanette >> >> Am 08.03.14 15:16, schrieb michael gurstein: >>> So it is your position that what up to this point has been ethically dubious and in some cases downright illegal i.e. the subverting (errr.. "shaping") of public policy processes to support private interests, not only legal but compulsory? >>> >>> M >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net >>> [mailto:bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net] On Behalf Of Jeanette >>> Hofmann >>> Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2014 3:44 AM >>> To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; bestbits at lists.bestbits.net >>> Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial >>> submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>> Conversely, since there is considerable interest here in >>>> multistakeholder policy making, even at national levels, would you >>>> support pharma companies, for instance, sitting in bodies making - >>>> actually making - health and drug policies, and big publishers in >>>> education policy making, and so on... >>> >>> >>> The problem is that the pharmaceutical companies have been doing this for decades - but behind closed doors. National legislation is not done without consulting with industries affected. Sometimes, particularly on the EU level, they even write the draft legislation. Multistakeholder offers the chance to broaden the consulation process and bring this process in the open daylight so that everybody can see what has been going on in secret. >>> >>> jeanette >>> >>> >>>> If not, what is the essential difference, and who decides the 'difference'? >>>> >>>> Of course state's extra-ordinary interest to control the Internet >>>> may be discussed here, but the state has the same kind of desire to >>>> control, for instance, the education system. Does it give enough >>>> basis for multistakeholder policy making in the education at the national level? >>>> Be fore-warned, that is the model of policy making that we are >>>> embracing here. >>>> >>>> parminder >>>> >>>>> >>>>> Apart from the difference between public policies and technical >>>>> decisions, is also the difference between original public policy >>>>> authority and delegated authority. These are concepts and ideas >>>>> that are rather well worked out in the texts of political science >>>>> and public administration. >>>>> >>>>> A public policy function is sovereign in the sense of not being >>>>> subject to a higher authority (judicial review being a different >>>>> matter) and is accompanied with legitimate coercive power for >>>>> enforcement. Such power only lies with elected representatives in >>>>> democracies. It cannot, for instance, be exercised by business >>>>> representatives . >>>>> >>>>> (At the global level, such sovereignty is exercised in a complex >>>>> manner whereby national legislatures often need to ratify >>>>> international treaties, and while many of such treaties carry >>>>> enforcement elements, the manner of their national application >>>>> remain in a somewhat complex interplay with national political >>>>> systems. But this system of global public policies still works.) >>>>> >>>>> As such CGI.Br does not and cannot consitutionally undertake >>>>> public policy function. Happy to hear counter-arguments. >>>>> >>>>> There is a huge problem with deforming the clear political >>>>> definitions regarding public policy etc and then find entry >>>>> points for big business to exercise formal political power..... >>>>> Once such a role is established on some areas, then this power >>>>> migrates upwards to cover all areas of our social and political >>>>> existence. This is what is happening now. >>>>> >>>>> Do note that the currently fashionable meme of 'equal footing' in >>>>> public policy functions does not ever circumscribe the areas where >>>>> big business can thus exercise formal political power, and where >>>>> it cannot. The multistakeholder policy making models, for instance >>>>> the one offered by Jeremy, applies to all areas of Internet >>>>> policies at the global level. Soon, it will be areas of policy in >>>>> any sector at the global level. Such efforts are of course already >>>>> afoot. And then gradually this models is brought to the national levels. >>>>> >>>>> I remain worried how few here see and fear the headlong plunge >>>>> into a neoliberal post-democratic system that we may be taking, >>>>> and in fact contributing so strongly to... >>>>> >>>>> parminder >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Membership of CGI.br is of course not informal - it is quite >>>>>> formal, but it is multi-stakeholder. >>>>>> >>>>>> Government has more positions which is something I have heard >>>>>> some Brazilian civil society express concern about. But it does >>>>>> mean that different parts of government is represented which his important. >>>>>> Business is represented through industry bodies, and so on. >>>>>> >>>>>> It is an example of how governance processes can change, and how >>>>>> public policy making can be more inclusive and multi-stakeholder >>>>>> and go beyond the traditional 'government proposes policy - with >>>>>> or without public consulation, follwed by legislature reviewing >>>>>> and approving/rejecting'. >>>>>> >>>>>> From a CS perspective I think we need to lobby for traditional >>>>>> models to be more inclusive, for public consultation to be >>>>>> introduced where it does not exist, and to be improved where it >>>>>> does. But we should also propose and promote new models where >>>>>> policy-making is actually done in an inclusive MS space. >>>>>> >>>>>> Anriette >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 06/03/2014 14:02, parminder wrote: >>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>> >>>>>>> You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil >>>>>>> society statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold >>>>>>> that non-gov participants(which includes business)should be on >>>>>>> the same footing as gov participants in terms of actually >>>>>>> /*making public *//*policies*//*. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> */Fine. There is no room for confusion now. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy >>>>>>> making, which arent there in the mentioned statement, or its >>>>>>> accompanying statements. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>> >>>>>>> PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. >>>>>>> And Joy - or is it someone else from APC - is on the steering >>>>>>> committee on BB... I hope such mis-statements are avoided, and >>>>>>> when pointed out withdrawn. Thanks. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> /* >>>>>>> */ >>>>>>> On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: >>>>>>>> As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter >>>>>>>> the full quote in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>>>> internet governance. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder >>>>>>>> processes are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary >>>>>>>> and APC has been on record in many spaces to support >>>>>>>> multi-stakeholder >>>>>>>> processes: these are simply one form of democratic participation. >>>>>>>> To be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other >>>>>>>> documents and says, taken together, certain principles relevant >>>>>>>> to internet governance can be deduced and should be taken >>>>>>>> forward into NetMundial, including human rights. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 >>>>>>>> recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing >>>>>>>> the Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: >>>>>>>> a) governments alone make public policy including some which is >>>>>>>> relevant to internet governance >>>>>>>> b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other >>>>>>>> when doing so; and >>>>>>>> c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and >>>>>>>> therefore should not be on an equal footing with governments >>>>>>>> this role (though they can of course be involved/consulted) . >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines >>>>>>>> that >>>>>>>> a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public >>>>>>>> policy which is relevant to internet governance >>>>>>>> b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing >>>>>>>> or parity with each other when doing so; >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission >>>>>>>> which simply proposes that whatever internet governance >>>>>>>> principles NetMundial is considering, equitable >>>>>>>> multi-stakholder participation and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>>> On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: >>>>>>>>> Dear all >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter >>>>>>>>> and the use of 'multilateral'. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> The full text in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, >>>>>>>>> with the full involvement of governments, the private sector, >>>>>>>>> civil society and international organisations. No single >>>>>>>>> government should have a pre-eminent role in relation to >>>>>>>>> international internet governance." >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its >>>>>>>>> dictionary sense as meaning the involvement of multiple >>>>>>>>> parties and multiple countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic >>>>>>>>> defines how we understood the term: "with the full involvement >>>>>>>>> of governments, the private sector, civil society and >>>>>>>>> international organisations. No single government should have >>>>>>>>> a pre-eminent role in relation to international internet governance." >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the >>>>>>>>> term multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood >>>>>>>>> as meaning "among governments". It was not our intention to >>>>>>>>> suggest that. But we certainly did mean that governments >>>>>>>>> should be involved, and that no one government should dominate >>>>>>>>> - but in the context of the involvement of other stakeholders too. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Best >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Anriette >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>>>>>>>>>>> > wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's >>>>>>>>>>>>> behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made >>>>>>>>>>>>> with respect to Internet governance should only be made by >>>>>>>>>>>>> bodies that allow free and equitable access to all >>>>>>>>>>>>> stakeholders at all points in the decision-making process." Well of course. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Two hoots to democracy! >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the >>>>>>>>>>>>> proposed submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and >>>>>>>>>>>>> IRP Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... >>>>>>>>>>>>> BUT... >>>>>>>>>>>>> /* >>>>>>>>>>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>>>>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is >>>>>>>>>>>>> different from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. >>>>>>>>>>>>> If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all >>>>>>>>>>>>> stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and >>>>>>>>>>>>> role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Please address this point specifically. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion >>>>>>>>>>>> of this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which >>>>>>>>>>>> you can read for yourself: >>>>>>>>>>>> https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At various times >>>>>>>>>>>> it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it became >>>>>>>>>>>> "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, to >>>>>>>>>>>> accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about how equal the stakeholder roles should be. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and >>>>>>>>>>> non-democracy. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in >>>>>>>>>>> /*decision making*/ about /*public policies */between gov >>>>>>>>>>> and non gov actors.... >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs >>>>>>>>>> that this CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but >>>>>>>>>> not multistakeholder governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to >>>>>>>>>> multilateral democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet >>>>>>>>>> governanceshould be multilateral and democratic. " >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this >>>>>>>>>> present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation >>>>>>>>>> - does not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be >>>>>>>>>> the principle inspirations. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also >>>>>>>>>> quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br >>>>>>>>>> Principles, CoE principles, and G 8 principles.... >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >>>>>>>>>> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) >>>>>>>>>> term either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much >>>>>>>>>> much subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by >>>>>>>>>> civil society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' >>>>>>>>>> in this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key >>>>>>>>>> governance characteristics" you could think only of " >>>>>>>>>> openness, transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and >>>>>>>>>> /*equitable multistakeholder participation */" (emphasis >>>>>>>>>> added) >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did >>>>>>>>>> the word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did >>>>>>>>>> it occur to someone and was contributed but did not find >>>>>>>>>> favour in the group.... Dont know which is worse. But both >>>>>>>>>> are bad enough for me to stay away from this doc. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy >>>>>>>>>> not to get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This >>>>>>>>>> is the thin end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into >>>>>>>>>> a brave new post democratic world, that one which the neo >>>>>>>>>> liberals dream of.... It is a pity that a good part of civil >>>>>>>>>> society has agreed to be the Trojan Horse for the powerful >>>>>>>>>> warriors of the neolib order. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like >>>>>>>>>> equitable multistakeholder participation (further explained >>>>>>>>>> in the emerging contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the >>>>>>>>>> survey) are getting introduced as basis of our governance. >>>>>>>>>> And see how exactly it matches what some of us predicted is >>>>>>>>>> the prime objective at present of the US supported status >>>>>>>>>> quoists to get into the text of the outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the >>>>>>>>>>> WGEC got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the >>>>>>>>>>> single most important point today, if we can clarify nd >>>>>>>>>>> possibly agree on this point - rest is not too difficult... >>>>>>>>>>> Lets accept what is the key point, and not skirt it... >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >>>>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative >>>>>>>>>>> of the people, possess public authority including >>>>>>>>>>> internet-related public policy issues and are supposed to be >>>>>>>>>>> the main source for legitimacy and democratic legitimation. >>>>>>>>>>> Hence they have to respect and protect human rights, ensure >>>>>>>>>>> that the rule of law is respected and that relevant national >>>>>>>>>>> legislation complies with their obligations under >>>>>>>>>>> international law. Moreover, they need to ensure that the >>>>>>>>>>> appropriate basic conditions both in terms of cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. >>>>>>>>>>> Civil society serves, and should continue to do so, as a >>>>>>>>>>> facilitator and notably as a source of empowerment and >>>>>>>>>>> credibility, especially at community level. The private >>>>>>>>>>> sector and particularly the technical community >>>>>>>>>>> significantly influence and encourage the development, >>>>>>>>>>> distribution and accessibility of the internet, and should >>>>>>>>>>> continue to do so. In order to fully live up to the >>>>>>>>>>> potentials for economic growth, innovation, freedom of >>>>>>>>>>> expression, access to information and ideas and democratic >>>>>>>>>>> participation in a knowledge society, all stakeholders involved need to work together." >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT >>>>>>>>>>>> policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR >>>>>>>>>>>> 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk -F! >>>>>>>>>>>> '{print $3}' >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are >>>>>>>>>>>> strongly recommended to enable encryption at your end. For >>>>>>>>>>>> instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>>>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, >>>>>>>>> association for progressive communications www.apc.org po box >>>>>>>>> 29755, melville 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, >>>>>> association for progressive communications www.apc.org po box >>>>>> 29755, melville >>>>>> 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>>> >>>> >>> >>> >> >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> To be removed from the list, visit: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >> >> For all other list information and functions, see: >> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >> >> Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t > > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t From Guru at ITforChange.net Sun Mar 9 07:45:11 2014 From: Guru at ITforChange.net (=?UTF-8?B?R3VydSDgpJfgpYHgpLDgpYE=?=) Date: Sun, 09 Mar 2014 17:15:11 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] JustNet Coalition contribution on Roadmap for the further evolution of the internet governance ecosystem for Netmundial.br In-Reply-To: <20140306101520.0f505c82@quill> References: <20140306101520.0f505c82@quill> Message-ID: <531C5447.5060704@ITforChange.net> Dear all, JustNet Coalition has made a submission to NetMundial on Roadmap for the further evolution of the Internet governance ecosystem. Available on http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/democratising-global-governance-of-the-internet/164 and also attached. regards, Guru On 03/06/2014 02:45 PM, Norbert Bollow wrote: > (I'm posting this, in separate messages, to the IGC, BestBits and /1net > mailing lists; my apologies if this results in you receiving multiple > copies.) > > Dear all > > Last month I had the pleasure to participate in a meeting in New Delhi > of a fairly large number of civil society people who agree that in > Internet governance, the emphasis on human rights and social justice > must be increased. > > This meeting has led us to decide to get organized under the name "Just > Net Coalition". > > We have also agreed on the attached "principles" document and submitted > it to the NETmundial.br meeting. > > Gretings, > Norbert -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Just_Net_Coalition_Brazil_Institutional _Framework.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 102404 bytes Desc: not available URL: From nigel.hickson at icann.org Sun Mar 9 19:48:45 2014 From: nigel.hickson at icann.org (Nigel Hickson) Date: Sun, 9 Mar 2014 16:48:45 -0700 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net In-Reply-To: <05A67F32-4759-43F8-BBBF-F1A5241CA6F3@theglobaljournal.net> References: <531708D5.7090200@itforchange.net> <2E3D5FD7-A108-4A16-977A-2650F624CA82@Malcolm.id.au> <53170F61.60305@itforchange.net> <531718AC.3040402@itforchange.net> <53182E74.5060401@apc.org> <5318460E.7080301@apc.org> <531863E1.7030705@itforchange.net> <53199B28.2090701@apc.org> <531AB97F.8080908@itforchange.net> <531AC0CA.3010001@itforchange.net> <531B0283.60303@wzb.eu> <16fc01cf3ad8$f26a3f70$d73ebe50$@gmail.com> <531B7907.8060601@wzb.eu> <05A67F32-4759-43F8-BBBF-F1A5241CA6F3@theglobaljournal.net> Message-ID: <2C698ABA-92BC-4969-B88E-10D5CD53ED34@icann.org> Good evening As a civil servant for 30 years before joining ICANN I would somewhat refute the negative stereotype painted here Yes of course there are bad policy decisions, and clearly officials do not always use all the expertise at their disposal. But in general policy advice and formation is a measured and careful process made so much better with the involvement of a variety of stakeholders Best Nigel Sent from my iPhone On 08 Mar 2014, at 20:58, "Jean-Christophe NOTHIAS I The Global Journal" > wrote: Jeanette, The difficulty lies on those grey zones you are enjoying, Is your experience of civil servants - unable to prepare legislation without drawing on external expertise - large enough for coming to conclusion that without lobbyists, and big corps, civil servants are not able to accomplish their task? Have you got any documentation on this? Or is this something that is very well known, but undocumented for some reasons? And, if any civil servants on the list, do you agree with that understanding of civil servants poor capacities? Maybe we should ask them outside of these governance and Best bits listing? On top of civil servants, you add that civil society has no capacity to counterbalance big corps... At the end of the day, who has true capacity in your multistakeholder prism? No civil servants, no civil society... So who's able? Corporate servants, corporate society.. With such a vision, I doubt you believe in multistakeholderism: why do you bother with civil servants and civil society? All of that sounds really like non sense. But maybe I need to join a multistakholder meeting, so to understand more of the real life. Jeanette, All of this is really going insane. Michael is so right JC Le 8 mars 2014 à 21:09, Jeanette Hofmann a écrit : > I don't know how you can read this out of my comment. > > In my experience, parliaments and ministries are unable prepare legislation without drawing on external expertise. It is an illusion to think that legislation could take place as an autonomous process without external influence. > There is also nothing dubious about lobbying as such. It has been around since parliaments have lobbies and most lobbyists are officially accredited with parliaments. What is problematic is that state officials often acquire the problem perceptions and mindsets of the industies they regulate. > > Another problem I see is that civil society won't have the capacity to intervene as much as it should to counter-balance the impact of commercial lobbying. > > jeanette > > Am 08.03.14 15:16, schrieb michael gurstein: >> So it is your position that what up to this point has been ethically dubious and in some cases downright illegal i.e. the subverting (errr.. "shaping") of public policy processes to support private interests, not only legal but compulsory? >> >> M >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net [mailto:bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net] On Behalf Of Jeanette Hofmann >> Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2014 3:44 AM >> To: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; bestbits at lists.bestbits.net >> Subject: Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] Three NETmundial submissions launched for endorsement at bestbits.net >> >> >> >> >>> Conversely, since there is considerable interest here in >>> multistakeholder policy making, even at national levels, would you >>> support pharma companies, for instance, sitting in bodies making - >>> actually making - health and drug policies, and big publishers in >>> education policy making, and so on... >> >> >> The problem is that the pharmaceutical companies have been doing this for decades - but behind closed doors. National legislation is not done without consulting with industries affected. Sometimes, particularly on the EU level, they even write the draft legislation. Multistakeholder offers the chance to broaden the consulation process and bring this process in the open daylight so that everybody can see what has been going on in secret. >> >> jeanette >> >> >>> If not, what is the essential difference, and who decides the 'difference'? >>> >>> Of course state's extra-ordinary interest to control the Internet may >>> be discussed here, but the state has the same kind of desire to >>> control, for instance, the education system. Does it give enough basis >>> for multistakeholder policy making in the education at the national level? >>> Be fore-warned, that is the model of policy making that we are >>> embracing here. >>> >>> parminder >>> >>>> >>>> Apart from the difference between public policies and technical >>>> decisions, is also the difference between original public policy >>>> authority and delegated authority. These are concepts and ideas that >>>> are rather well worked out in the texts of political science and >>>> public administration. >>>> >>>> A public policy function is sovereign in the sense of not being >>>> subject to a higher authority (judicial review being a different >>>> matter) and is accompanied with legitimate coercive power for >>>> enforcement. Such power only lies with elected representatives in >>>> democracies. It cannot, for instance, be exercised by business >>>> representatives . >>>> >>>> (At the global level, such sovereignty is exercised in a complex >>>> manner whereby national legislatures often need to ratify >>>> international treaties, and while many of such treaties carry >>>> enforcement elements, the manner of their national application remain >>>> in a somewhat complex interplay with national political systems. But >>>> this system of global public policies still works.) >>>> >>>> As such CGI.Br does not and cannot consitutionally undertake public >>>> policy function. Happy to hear counter-arguments. >>>> >>>> There is a huge problem with deforming the clear political >>>> definitions regarding public policy etc and then find entry points >>>> for big business to exercise formal political power..... Once such a >>>> role is established on some areas, then this power migrates upwards >>>> to cover all areas of our social and political existence. This is >>>> what is happening now. >>>> >>>> Do note that the currently fashionable meme of 'equal footing' in >>>> public policy functions does not ever circumscribe the areas where >>>> big business can thus exercise formal political power, and where it >>>> cannot. The multistakeholder policy making models, for instance the >>>> one offered by Jeremy, applies to all areas of Internet policies at >>>> the global level. Soon, it will be areas of policy in any sector at >>>> the global level. Such efforts are of course already afoot. And then >>>> gradually this models is brought to the national levels. >>>> >>>> I remain worried how few here see and fear the headlong plunge into a >>>> neoliberal post-democratic system that we may be taking, and in fact >>>> contributing so strongly to... >>>> >>>> parminder >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>> >>>>> Membership of CGI.br is of course not informal - it is quite formal, >>>>> but it is multi-stakeholder. >>>>> >>>>> Government has more positions which is something I have heard some >>>>> Brazilian civil society express concern about. But it does mean that >>>>> different parts of government is represented which his important. >>>>> Business is represented through industry bodies, and so on. >>>>> >>>>> It is an example of how governance processes can change, and how >>>>> public policy making can be more inclusive and multi-stakeholder and >>>>> go beyond the traditional 'government proposes policy - with or >>>>> without public consulation, follwed by legislature reviewing and >>>>> approving/rejecting'. >>>>> >>>>> From a CS perspective I think we need to lobby for traditional >>>>> models to be more inclusive, for public consultation to be >>>>> introduced where it does not exist, and to be improved where it >>>>> does. But we should also propose and promote new models where >>>>> policy-making is actually done in an inclusive MS space. >>>>> >>>>> Anriette >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 06/03/2014 14:02, parminder wrote: >>>>>> Joy >>>>>> >>>>>> You clarify the difference between two positions very well.. >>>>>> >>>>>> So, I understand that, those who want to support the civil society >>>>>> statement put on BestBits platform for endorsements hold that >>>>>> non-gov participants(which includes business)should be on the same >>>>>> footing as gov participants in terms of actually /*making public >>>>>> *//*policies*//*. >>>>>> >>>>>> */Fine. There is no room for confusion now. >>>>>> >>>>>> I think this is a anti-democratic statement. And oppose it as ever. >>>>>> >>>>>> Meanwhile, look forward to see actual models of such policy >>>>>> making, which arent there in the mentioned statement, or its >>>>>> accompanying statements. >>>>>> >>>>>> parminder >>>>>> >>>>>> PS: I did not think it is BestBits statement, as Joy puts it. And >>>>>> Joy - or is it someone else from APC - is on the steering committee >>>>>> on BB... I hope such mis-statements are avoided, and when pointed >>>>>> out withdrawn. Thanks. >>>>>> >>>>>> /* >>>>>> */ >>>>>> On Thursday 06 March 2014 03:25 PM, joy wrote: >>>>>>> As Anriette has already noted - in relation to the APC Charter the >>>>>>> full quote in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>>> internet governance. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> This does not mean that APC thinks that multi-stakeholder >>>>>>> processes are not democratic or desirable. Quite the contrary and >>>>>>> APC has been on record in many spaces to support multi-stakeholder >>>>>>> processes: these are simply one form of democratic participation. >>>>>>> To be fair, the Best Bits submisson cites a range of other >>>>>>> documents and says, taken together, certain principles relevant to >>>>>>> internet governance can be deduced and should be taken forward >>>>>>> into NetMundial, including human rights. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I am happy to support the Best Bits submission: i think its 2 >>>>>>> recommendations are simple, concise and helpful. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> It seems the logic of the objections being raised to endorsing the >>>>>>> Best Bits submission is along the lines that on the one hand: >>>>>>> a) governments alone make public policy including some which is >>>>>>> relevant to internet governance >>>>>>> b) governments should be on an equal footing with each other when >>>>>>> doing so; and >>>>>>> c) it follows that non-governmental stakeholders cannot and >>>>>>> therefore should not be on an equal footing with governments this >>>>>>> role (though they can of course be involved/consulted) . >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Whereas, the Best Bits submission is premised along the lines that >>>>>>> a) governments and multi-stakeholder processes make public policy >>>>>>> which is relevant to internet governance >>>>>>> b) therefore all stakeholders should be on an equitable footing or >>>>>>> parity with each other when doing so; >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Again, I see no reason not to support the Best Bits submission >>>>>>> which simply proposes that whatever internet governance principles >>>>>>> NetMundial is considering, equitable multi-stakholder >>>>>>> participation and human rights (among others) are relevant to them. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>> Joy >>>>>>> On 6/03/2014 9:14 p.m., Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: >>>>>>>> Dear all >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Just a clarification here on the APC Internet Rights Charter and >>>>>>>> the use of 'multilateral'. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> The full text in Theme 6.1 is: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> "Internet governance should be multilateral and democratic, with >>>>>>>> the full involvement of governments, the private sector, civil >>>>>>>> society and international organisations. No single government >>>>>>>> should have a pre-eminent role in relation to international >>>>>>>> internet governance." >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> When we drafted this text we used 'multilateral' in its >>>>>>>> dictionary sense as meaning the involvement of multiple parties >>>>>>>> and multiple countries. We did not mean it in the 'intergovernmental' sense. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> In fact.. the text that follows multilateral and democratic >>>>>>>> defines how we understood the term: "with the full involvement of >>>>>>>> governments, the private sector, civil society and international >>>>>>>> organisations. No single government should have a pre-eminent >>>>>>>> role in relation to international internet governance." >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Since then (remember we first drafted the charter in 2001) the >>>>>>>> term multilateral has become loaded and is often underestood as >>>>>>>> meaning "among governments". It was not our intention to suggest >>>>>>>> that. But we certainly did mean that governments should be >>>>>>>> involved, and that no one government should dominate - but in the >>>>>>>> context of the involvement of other stakeholders too. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Best >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Anriette >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On 05/03/2014 14:29, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:19 PM, parminder wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Wednesday 05 March 2014 05:09 PM, Jeremy Malcolm wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> On 5 Mar 2014, at 7:21 pm, parminder >>>>>>>>>>> > wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> And of course, the proposed view to be submitted on 1Net's >>>>>>>>>>>> behalf has this all important principle, "Decisions made with >>>>>>>>>>>> respect to Internet governance should only be made by bodies >>>>>>>>>>>> that allow free and equitable access to all stakeholders at >>>>>>>>>>>> all points in the decision-making process." Well of course. >>>>>>>>>>>> Two hoots to democracy! >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Now I shall come to the point, of my comments on the proposed >>>>>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial submitted by Jeremy. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> I of course support and commend both APC Principles and IRP >>>>>>>>>>>> Principles - which seem the main burden of the submission.... >>>>>>>>>>>> BUT... >>>>>>>>>>>> /* >>>>>>>>>>>> *//*Can someone explain me the meaning of "equitable >>>>>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation"*/and whether it is different >>>>>>>>>>>> from what is meant in the above statement from 1Net's survey. >>>>>>>>>>>> If so, how.... More precisely, are you seeking that all >>>>>>>>>>>> stakeholders, including business reps, have equal part and >>>>>>>>>>>> role (as gov reps) in making decisions about public policies. >>>>>>>>>>>> Please address this point specifically. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Yes, you picked up on a key point. There was a discussion of >>>>>>>>>>> this on the pad where the text was workshopped, which you can >>>>>>>>>>> read for yourself: https://pad.riseup.net/p/IG_principles. At >>>>>>>>>>> various times it was "parity" and "power sharing" before it >>>>>>>>>>> became "equitable participation", which is somewhat flexible, >>>>>>>>>>> to accommodate the different viewpoints that we all have about >>>>>>>>>>> how equal the stakeholder roles should be. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I dont greatly like flexibility between democracy and >>>>>>>>>> non-democracy. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> So, request a clear response - do you mean /*parity*/ in >>>>>>>>>> /*decision making*/ about /*public policies */between gov and >>>>>>>>>> non gov actors.... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> It is important to note that the two main Principles docs that >>>>>>>>> this CS contribution refers to speak of democracy but not >>>>>>>>> multistakeholder governance, much less 'equitable MSism'.. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In fact the APC Principles doc speaks of "The right to >>>>>>>>> multilateral democratic oversight of the Internet. Internet >>>>>>>>> governanceshould be multilateral and democratic. " >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Obviously, what is the main, unique, and new element in this >>>>>>>>> present submission - equitable multistakeholder participation - >>>>>>>>> does not come from the 2 key docs which are claimed to be the >>>>>>>>> principle inspirations. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Ok, lets next check the 3 other principles docs that are also >>>>>>>>> quoted as somewhat secondary inspirations - CGI.Br Principles, >>>>>>>>> CoE principles, and G 8 principles.... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In these principles docs, while all f them orepeatedly and >>>>>>>>> emphatically speak of democracy, the MS (multistakeholder) term >>>>>>>>> either does not figure (CGI.Br doc) or comes in a much much >>>>>>>>> subsidiary fashion wrt to democracy (the other two docs) >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Now, lets see what does your contribution - developed by civil >>>>>>>>> society actors in IG space - come up with ..... >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> There is not a single mention of 'democracy' or 'democratic' in >>>>>>>>> this doc.... Even when you guys came up with "key governance >>>>>>>>> characteristics" you could think only of " openness, >>>>>>>>> transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and /*equitable >>>>>>>>> multistakeholder participation */" (emphasis added) >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> In all your f2f meetings, and long online deliberations, did the >>>>>>>>> word 'democracy' not occur to any one at all... Or did it occur >>>>>>>>> to someone and was contributed but did not find favour in the >>>>>>>>> group.... Dont know which is worse. But both are bad enough for >>>>>>>>> me to stay away from this doc. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> And I appeal also to others who really believe in democracy not >>>>>>>>> to get caught in this trap that is laid for them.... This is the >>>>>>>>> thin end of the wedge, which will soon usher you into a brave >>>>>>>>> new post democratic world, that one which the neo liberals dream >>>>>>>>> of.... It is a pity that a good part of civil society has agreed >>>>>>>>> to be the Trojan Horse for the powerful warriors of the neolib >>>>>>>>> order. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> See, how the term democracy is rejected, and phrases like >>>>>>>>> equitable multistakeholder participation (further explained in >>>>>>>>> the emerging contribution from 1 Net - principle 11 in the >>>>>>>>> survey) are getting introduced as basis of our governance. And >>>>>>>>> see how exactly it matches what some of us predicted is the >>>>>>>>> prime objective at present of the US supported status quoists to >>>>>>>>> get into the text of the outcomes from NetMundial...... All of piece. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> And this is not a petty point... Half of the time of the WGEC >>>>>>>>>> got taken on this kind of discussion. This is the single most >>>>>>>>>> important point today, if we can clarify nd possibly agree on >>>>>>>>>> this point - rest is not too difficult... Lets accept what is >>>>>>>>>> the key point, and not skirt it... >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> BTW, the German government has the following to say in its >>>>>>>>>> submission to NetMundial >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> "Democratically elected governments, as the representative of >>>>>>>>>> the people, possess public authority including internet-related >>>>>>>>>> public policy issues and are supposed to be the main source for >>>>>>>>>> legitimacy and democratic legitimation. Hence they have to >>>>>>>>>> respect and protect human rights, ensure that the rule of law >>>>>>>>>> is respected and that relevant national legislation complies >>>>>>>>>> with their obligations under international law. Moreover, they >>>>>>>>>> need to ensure that the appropriate basic conditions both in >>>>>>>>>> terms of cyber-security and technical provisions are in place. >>>>>>>>>> Civil society serves, and should continue to do so, as a >>>>>>>>>> facilitator and notably as a source of empowerment and >>>>>>>>>> credibility, especially at community level. The private sector >>>>>>>>>> and particularly the technical community significantly >>>>>>>>>> influence and encourage the development, distribution and >>>>>>>>>> accessibility of the internet, and should continue to do so. In >>>>>>>>>> order to fully live up to the potentials for economic growth, >>>>>>>>>> innovation, freedom of expression, access to information and >>>>>>>>>> ideas and democratic participation in a knowledge society, all >>>>>>>>>> stakeholders involved need to work together." >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Do you for instance agree to the above formulation, or NOT... >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> parminder >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>> Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT >>>>>>>>>>> policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR >>>>>>>>>>> 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org |awk -F! >>>>>>>>>>> '{print $3}' >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly >>>>>>>>>>> recommended to enable encryption at your end. For >>>>>>>>>>> instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, >>>>>>>> association for progressive communications www.apc.org po box >>>>>>>> 29755, melville 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>>>> anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org executive director, association >>>>> for progressive communications www.apc.org po box 29755, melville >>>>> 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>>> >>> >> >> > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: bestbits at lists.bestbits.net. To unsubscribe or change your settings, visit: http://lists.bestbits.net/wws/info/bestbits -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ajp at glocom.ac.jp Mon Mar 10 05:57:41 2014 From: ajp at glocom.ac.jp (Adam Peake) Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 18:57:41 +0900 Subject: [bestbits] Agenda EMC call March 10 Message-ID: <01719458-594C-49BF-9467-8D0167E5D6BB@glocom.ac.jp> Hi everyone, Agenda for the EMC call starting in about 2 hours. Please let us know if you have any comments about the topics below. Over 180 contributions received . Secretariat will try to produce a zip of all files, I hope with an index (as you can guess from the agenda below, they have a great deal to do.) Adam Agenda: 1. Expressions of Interest a. Conclude decisions about selection criteria and "overbooking rate" b. Next steps: launch Registration form, invitation letters for visa. c. Follow up to fill eventual vacancies 2. Travel and accommodation support a. Report about call for applications b. Discussion about selection criteria c. Budget and travel operations (invite LOC member) 3. Invitation to Intergovernmental Organizations a. Conclude decisions, review contacts b. Approve invitation letter 4. Content Contributions a. Final report b. Status of content processing and synthesis paper production c. Eventual chronogram adjust for: i. receive the compilation form Secretariat ii. produce the draft for HLMC 5. LOC cross-informations a. Remote hubs b. Budget 6. Review calendar a. Eventual activities during ICANN - Singapore b. F2F meeting to finish the first draft on content END From Guru at ITforChange.net Mon Mar 10 06:26:46 2014 From: Guru at ITforChange.net (=?UTF-8?B?R3VydSDgpJfgpYHgpLDgpYE=?=) Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 15:56:46 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] need for regulation .... Message-ID: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net> Dear all, Not clear, how in Multistakeholderism, where the private sector has an equal footing in public policy making, we will get Google to agree that its search algorithm, as the key factor organising the worlds information/knowledge for all of us, needs to be public knowledge, not a commercial secret. The need for it to be public knowledge stems from privacy/surveillance concerns, because such fundamental knowledge ought to be available as 'cultural commons' that others can take/re-use/revise, fostering competition etc. regards, Guru Google faces Rs 30,500-cr fine in India New Delhi, PTI: March 9, 2014 Google can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion if it is found to have violated competition norms of the country. Google, which is facing anti-trust investigation in India by fair trade watchdog Competition Commission of India (CCI), can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion (Rs 30,500 crore) if it is found to have violated competition norms of the country. Google said it is “extending full cooperation” to the CCI in its investigation. The conclusion of a two-year review by the US antitrust watchdog has concluded that the company's services were good for competition, it added. The case has been before the CCI for over two years now, and it relates to allegations that Google is abusing its dominant position. Under competition regulations, an entity found violating the norms could be slapped with penalty of up to 10 per cent of its three-year annual average turnover. In the case of Google, its annual revenues in the last three years amounts to a staggering $49.3 billion (Rs 3.01 lakh crore), and the maximum penalty can be up to nearly $5 billion. When asked about the ongoing probe and the potential penalty, a Google spokesperson said: “We are extending full co-operation to the Competition Commission of India in their investigation.” The emailed statement added: “We're pleased that the conclusion of the Federal Trade Commission's two-year review was that Google's services are good for users and good for competition.” A complaint filed with the CCI cannot be withdrawn. The complaint against Google, also one of the world's most valued company, was first filed by advocacy group CUTS International way back in late 2011. Later. Matrimonial website matrimony.com Private Ltd also filed a complaint. Last year, CCI chairman Ashok Chawla had said the complaint was that the Google search engine favours platforms it wants to support. “That is, when you click on Google under a certain category, you will get the platforms where there is a tendency to put them in a certain order which may not be the fair and non-discriminatory. So, *what is the software and what is the algorithmic search, (that is) what the investigation team is looking at,” *Chawla had said. source - http://www.deccanherald.com/content/390977/google-faces-rs-30500-cr.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mctimconsulting at gmail.com Mon Mar 10 07:16:55 2014 From: mctimconsulting at gmail.com (McTim) Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 07:16:55 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net> References: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net> Message-ID: On Mon, Mar 10, 2014 at 6:26 AM, Guru गुरु wrote: > Dear all, > > Not clear, how in Multistakeholderism, where the private sector has an > equal footing in public policy making, we will get Google to agree that its > search algorithm, as the key factor organising the worlds > information/knowledge for all of us, needs to be public knowledge > I believe the assumptions underlying this argument are faulty. Google is just ONE way to search, it is not the ONLY way. In addition, it is not clear that MSism would extend to such issues as gov'ts are not about to give up sovereignty over such "regulation". I understand you would like an int'l treaty on such issues, but expecting gov'ts to give up authority on this kind of thing is, I think, unrealistic. If this standard were to be consistently carried out not just across search engines, but across ALL sectors, then there could never be "commercial secrets" in any industry or even as Suresh points out downthread, in CS either. > , not a commercial secret. The need > This is a WANT, not a NEED. > for it to be public knowledge stems from privacy/surveillance concerns, > because such fundamental knowledge ought to be available as 'cultural > commons' that others can take/re-use/revise, fostering competition etc. > By that Standard ALL software/algorithms MUST be FOSS. Is that your position? rgds, McTim -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From andrea at digitalpolicy.it Mon Mar 10 09:45:29 2014 From: andrea at digitalpolicy.it (Andrea Glorioso) Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:45:29 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Contributions of the European Commission to the NETmundial meeting Message-ID: Dear all, of possible interest to the members of this list, the European Commission has submitted two contributions to the NETmundial meeting, which will take place on 23-24 April 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. They are available at: · Principles: http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/internet-governance-principles/176 · Roadmap: http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/roadmap-for-the-further-evolution-of-the-internet-governance-ecosystem/177 Best regards, Andrea -- I speak only for myself. Sometimes I do not even agree with myself. Keep it in mind. Twitter: @andreaglorioso Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrea.glorioso LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=1749288&trk=tab_pro -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ca at cafonso.ca Mon Mar 10 11:18:57 2014 From: ca at cafonso.ca (Carlos A. Afonso) Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 12:18:57 -0300 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net> References: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net> Message-ID: <531DD7E1.8040508@cafonso.ca> I think there is a basic misunderstanding related to the role of private, free, non-mandatory services versus, for example, the required, paid for, connectivity services we need to be on the Internet. Services such as Google, Facebook, Twitter etc, are opt-in, not required for the user to be on the Internet. And they are free to use, regardless of what they do or don't with your visit to them. You visit at your own risk and will. Our broadband or mobile connection is paid, required if we wish to be on the Internet, and subject to a provider-user contract regarding which we can demand consumer and other rights. I do not see how we can just tell Google to do what Guru requests. One can just *not* use Google and still be on the Internet. Or can use just a few components with due care regarding personal privacy configurations if one wishes. Same with any other non-mandatory, free, opt-in service. IMHO --c.a. On 03/10/2014 07:26 AM, Guru गुरु wrote: > Dear all, > > Not clear, how in Multistakeholderism, where the private sector has an > equal footing in public policy making, we will get Google to agree that > its search algorithm, as the key factor organising the worlds > information/knowledge for all of us, needs to be public knowledge, not a > commercial secret. The need for it to be public knowledge stems from > privacy/surveillance concerns, because such fundamental knowledge ought > to be available as 'cultural commons' that others can > take/re-use/revise, fostering competition etc. > > regards, > Guru > > Google faces Rs 30,500-cr fine in India > New Delhi, PTI: March 9, 2014 > > Google can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion if it is found to > have violated competition norms of the country. Google, which is facing > anti-trust investigation in India by fair trade watchdog Competition > Commission of India (CCI), can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion > (Rs 30,500 crore) if it is found to have violated competition norms of > the country. > > Google said it is “extending full cooperation” to the CCI in its > investigation. The conclusion of a two-year review by the US antitrust > watchdog has concluded that the company's services were good for > competition, it added. The case has been before the CCI for over two > years now, and it relates to allegations that Google is abusing its > dominant position. Under competition regulations, an entity found > violating the norms could be slapped with penalty of up to 10 per cent > of its three-year annual average turnover. In the case of Google, its > annual revenues in the last three years amounts to a staggering $49.3 > billion (Rs 3.01 lakh crore), and the maximum penalty can be up to > nearly $5 billion. > > When asked about the ongoing probe and the potential penalty, a Google > spokesperson said: “We are extending full co-operation to the > Competition Commission of India in their investigation.” The emailed > statement added: “We're pleased that the conclusion of the Federal Trade > Commission's two-year review was that Google's services are good for > users and good for competition.” > > A complaint filed with the CCI cannot be withdrawn. The complaint > against Google, also one of the world's most valued company, was first > filed by advocacy group CUTS International way back in late 2011. Later. > Matrimonial website matrimony.com Private Ltd also filed a complaint. > Last year, CCI chairman Ashok Chawla had said the complaint was that the > Google search engine favours platforms it wants to support. > > “That is, when you click on Google under a certain category, you will > get the platforms where there is a tendency to put them in a certain > order which may not be the fair and non-discriminatory. So, *what is the > software and what is the algorithmic search, (that is) what the > investigation team is looking at,” *Chawla had said. > > source - > http://www.deccanherald.com/content/390977/google-faces-rs-30500-cr.html From ajp at glocom.ac.jp Mon Mar 10 11:49:45 2014 From: ajp at glocom.ac.jp (Adam Peake) Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 00:49:45 +0900 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net> References: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net> Message-ID: Hi Guru, On Mar 10, 2014, at 7:26 PM, Guru गुरु wrote: > Dear all, > > Not clear, how in Multistakeholderism, where the private sector has an equal footing in public policy making, we will get Google to agree that its search algorithm, as the key factor organising the worlds information/knowledge for all of us, needs to be public knowledge, not a commercial secret. Are you sure about this? If the algorithm's public then it will be gamed. Logical extension of this is searches will no return accurate results, no longer be trusted, and a very useful resource will be pretty much be made useless. Is this your intention? Best, Adam > The need for it to be public knowledge stems from privacy/surveillance concerns, because such fundamental knowledge ought to be available as 'cultural commons' that others can take/re-use/revise, fostering competition etc. > > regards, > Guru > > Google faces Rs 30,500-cr fine in India > New Delhi, PTI: March 9, 2014 > > Google can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion if it is found to have violated competition norms of the country. Google, which is facing anti-trust investigation in India by fair trade watchdog Competition Commission of India (CCI), can face a penalty of up to about $5 billion (Rs 30,500 crore) if it is found to have violated competition norms of the country. > > Google said it is “extending full cooperation” to the CCI in its investigation. The conclusion of a two-year review by the US antitrust watchdog has concluded that the company's services were good for competition, it added. The case has been before the CCI for over two years now, and it relates to allegations that Google is abusing its dominant position. Under competition regulations, an entity found violating the norms could be slapped with penalty of up to 10 per cent of its three-year annual average turnover. In the case of Google, its annual revenues in the last three years amounts to a staggering $49.3 billion (Rs 3.01 lakh crore), and the maximum penalty can be up to nearly $5 billion. > > When asked about the ongoing probe and the potential penalty, a Google spokesperson said: “We are extending full co-operation to the Competition Commission of India in their investigation.” The emailed statement added: “We're pleased that the conclusion of the Federal Trade Commission's two-year review was that Google's services are good for users and good for competition.” > > A complaint filed with the CCI cannot be withdrawn. The complaint against Google, also one of the world's most valued company, was first filed by advocacy group CUTS International way back in late 2011. Later. Matrimonial website matrimony.com Private Ltd also filed a complaint. Last year, CCI chairman Ashok Chawla had said the complaint was that the Google search engine favours platforms it wants to support. > > “That is, when you click on Google under a certain category, you will get the platforms where there is a tendency to put them in a certain order which may not be the fair and non-discriminatory. So, what is the software and what is the algorithmic search, (that is) what the investigation team is looking at,” Chawla had said. > > source - http://www.deccanherald.com/content/390977/google-faces-rs-30500-cr.html > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t From ajp at glocom.ac.jp Tue Mar 18 07:54:53 2014 From: ajp at glocom.ac.jp (Adam Peake) Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 20:54:53 +0900 Subject: [bestbits] Re: AW: [governance] Input on IGF 2014 format and main sessions In-Reply-To: <53282D0B.4000709@apc.org> References: <53273DCE.6070205@apc.org> <4F021523-9213-4CA0-AC9C-34BD7262B177@glocom.ac.jp> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A8016420B1@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> <53282D0B.4000709@apc.org> Message-ID: <46E112CD-2FBF-4D58-A0BE-888000E9E03E@glocom.ac.jp> Hi Anriette, Just one comment below: On Mar 18, 2014, at 8:24 PM, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > Dear Adam and Wolfgang (and those who responded offlist) > > First, clarification. > > 'Focus' session is just another term of saying 'main session'. It means a session in a big room that focuses on one of the IGF's subthemes or something like 'taking stock'. > > The idea of flash sessions is already on the table. Actually the MAG is talking about the IGF including different and newer formats. Veronica Cretu has done quite a lot of work on this. Translating it into practice is not always so easy, but we are trying. > > Some people who were at RightsCon which took place recently also wrote to me saying they would like the IGF to learn from other large events when it comes to formats. > > And someone else wrote saying we should - as the MAG - be prescriptive with formats and just let session organisers decide what format they want to use. > > I will share feedback on the overarching theme - which Adam said was vague, and someone else wrote to me to say it sounded like we were going to focus on intercontinental submarine cables :) > > Do remember that the IGF main theme is generally the outcome of consensus among MAG members and is usually vague. > > One proposal I am thinking of is to have an opening session where we have a panel that does very brief scene setting on the sub theme of this year's IGF. This could be 3 hour main session on the first day. The panel would give 10 minute inputs on the sub themes followed by discussion and questions. Workshop/session organisers can talk about what they are dealing with in their events related to these themes. > > * Policies enabling Access > * Content Creation, Dissemination and Use > * Internet as engine for growth & development > * IGF & The Future of the Internet ecosystem > * Enhancing Digital Trust > * Internet and Human Rights > * Critical Internet Resources > > I am leaving out emerging issues as it has a different role. > > > On the last day we can have round tables for each of these subthemes that gather together workshop/session organisers as well as dynamic coalitions. These round tables should be tasked with identifying what intersessional work is needed, and by whom and in which space, to take discussions at the IGF forward. > Yes, please! Would be great if this session could kick-off some working groups. If a session during the week identifies a topic where work's needed, then start working-up a charter and bring that to this final day round-table session for discussion/some agreement? Adam > To build on Adam's proposal we should have a main session on Net Mundial outcomes. We might even want to have two separate main sessions, depending on what happens at the NetMundial. I like Wolfgang's idea that we should keep things open at this point, and see what happens later on in the year before we finalise what main or focus sessions to organised - or MAG organised sessions as we refer to them to distinguish from all the community organised sessions like workshops. At least until the May MAG meeting as by then we will have a clearer idea of what the IGF can most usefully focus on. > > I also like the idea of having flash session topics be finalised later. This would be possible I think. > > Anriette > > > On 18/03/2014 12:24, "Kleinwächter, Wolfgang" wrote: >> I agree here with Adam. Kepp the issues open as long as possible so that we can meet all the questions which are coming out from the procceses in April, May (inter aia the Ilves Report) and June (inter aliathe ICANN meeting in London with the high level GAC meeting and the ATLAS II). >> >> One idea which worked well in recent EURODIGs are "flash sessions". 30 or 45 minutes presentations by one or two presenters (speaker has no more than 10 (or 2x5) minutes followed by q&a). The subjects of the flash sessions can be defined at a later stage shortly before the meeting. >> >> wolfgang >> >> >> ________________________________ >> >> Von: >> governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org >> im Auftrag von Adam Peake >> Gesendet: Di 18.03.2014 11:08 >> An: >> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> ; Anriette Esterhuysen >> Cc: <, >> bestbits at lists.bestbits.net> >> , >> Betreff: Re: [governance] Input on IGF 2014 format and main sessions >> >> >> >> Hi Anriette, >> >> Thanks for asking. >> >> To be honest, I'm not very clear what the difference is between main sessions and focus sessions -- what was the actual difference in Bali? >> >> Perhaps the Secretariat and MAG needs to do a better job of bringing the organizers of the various workshops into planning of the focus sessions. That didn't work well last, mainly I think because we hadn't thought through a new process (and to be honest I don't think 'feeder workshops' have ever worked and are unlikely to, a conference schedule can't permit.) >> >> I think we saw in Bali that topics on current interests work well. Development, tried yet again, and not satisfactory yet again (if going to do such sessions it must include a majority of developing country participants, and contributors who are development experts rather than well meaning policy geeks.) >> >> Did ypu find the policy questions helpful? Were they addressed in the sessions and did they add anything? I'm not sure they were widely used in most sessions. They seemed to be used as a bit of an after thought. >> >> Of the themes, suggest it would be helpful to leave a large block of time (50%) to address NETmundial outcomes and what we are learning from other processes. By mid-summer we'll have an idea of what's going into ITU plenipot, WSIS etc. React to what's happening rather than more on the same old themes. >> >> What does the overarching theme mean? Too many vague sub-themes, they provide little or no guidance to those submitting workshop proposals, and no help to MAG when assessing what's relevant/not. >> >> Adam >> >> >> >> On Mar 18, 2014, at 3:24 AM, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: >> >> >>> Dear all >>> >>> There is a MAG meeting tomorrow and I would like your input on session formats. >>> >>> Should there be 'main sessions' or focus sessions? How many? One a day or only on the first day and the last day? >>> >>> What should the format be of these sessions? >>> >>> Should there be feeder workshops? Or Round Tables on a theme? >>> >>> Should the MAG make an open call for policy questions around which these focus/main sessions can be built? >>> >>> Looking at the main and sub themes for this year's IGF, on which topics do you feel main sessions/focus sessions are needed? >>> >>> >>> Proposed Overaching Theme and Sub Themes for IGF 2014 >>> >>> >>> Proposed Overarching Theme: Connecting Continents for Enhanced Multistakeholder Internet Governance >>> >>> Proposed Sub Themes: >>> >>> * Policies enabling Access >>> * Content Creation, Dissemination and Use >>> * Internet as engine for growth & development >>> * IGF & The Future of the Internet ecosystem >>> * Enhancing Digital Trust >>> * Internet and Human Rights >>> * Critical Internet Resources >>> * Emerging Issues >>> >>> >>> Thanks >>> >>> Anriette >>> -- >>> ------------------------------------------------------ >>> anriette esterhuysen >>> >>> anriette at apc.org >>> >>> >>> executive director, association for progressive communications >>> >>> >>> www.apc.org >>> >>> >>> po box 29755, melville 2109 >>> south africa >>> tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >>> >>> ____________________________________________________________ >>> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >>> >>> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >>> >>> To be removed from the list, visit: >>> >>> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >>> >>> >>> For all other list information and functions, see: >>> >>> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >>> >>> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >>> >>> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >>> >>> >>> Translate this email: >>> http://translate.google.com/translate_t >> >> >> >> >> > > -- > ------------------------------------------------------ > anriette esterhuysen > anriette at apc.org > > executive director, association for progressive communications > > www.apc.org > > po box 29755, melville 2109 > south africa > tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 > From jcurran at istaff.org Wed Mar 19 13:41:35 2014 From: jcurran at istaff.org (John Curran) Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 18:41:35 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [discuss] Republicans Uneasy About ICANN Decision, Schedule Hearing In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <4831B306-224A-47D7-8A63-7CD1EE69DD3F@istaff.org> > Republicans Uneasy About ICANN Decision, Schedule Hearing Text of the Upton/Walden statement - "The Internet has thrived across the globe under the existing multi-stakeholder effort, and should serve as a guide for the future. We welcome a thoughtful discussion amongst Internet stakeholders on the Department of Commerce’s role in the DNS. But changes to the current model should be approached with a cautious and careful eye. The Energy and Commerce Committee has been at the forefront of the effort to preserve Internet openness and freedom. We will continue to conduct robust oversight to ensure that before any changes are considered we safeguard that no government or intergovernmental body takes over critical DNS functions. We have many questions, and look forward to a thorough examination the first week of April." FYI, /John From joly at punkcast.com Thu Mar 20 15:27:04 2014 From: joly at punkcast.com (Joly MacFie) Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 15:27:04 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] =?ISO-8859-1?Q?Re=3A_WEBCAST_TONIGHT=3A_NCUC_Conferenc?= =?ISO-8859-1?Q?e=3A_ICANN_and_Global_Internet_Governance=3A_The_Road_to_S?= =?ISO-8859-1?Q?=E3o_Paulo=2C_and_Beyond?= In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Since I screwed up my times in the earlier msg, just to be clear this starts at 10pm tonight Thurs EDT = 2am Fri UTC > > joly posted: "Tomorrow, Friday March 21 2014, just prior to ICANN 49 > in Singapore, the NonCommercial Users Constituency (NCUC) of the Generic > Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) will host a one-day conference "ICANN > and Global Internet Governance: The Road to São Paul" > > [image: NCUC] Tomorrow, Friday March 21 2014, just > prior to ICANN 49 in Singapore, the NonCommercial > Users Constituency (NCUC) of the Generic Names > Supporting Organization (GNSO) will host a one-day conference "*ICANN and > Global Internet Governance: The Road to São Paulo, and Beyond > *". Cross-community panels will > discuss recent Internet governance initiatives, core principles and > road-maps for globalization and institutional innovation. Speakers include > ICANN Chair *Steve Crocker*, ALAC Chair *Olivier Crepin-Leblond*, NCSG > Chair *Rafik Dammak*, *Erika Mann* of facebook,* Niels ten Oever* of > Article 19, *Jari Arrko* of the IETF, *Avri Doria* of ISOC-NY, *Fiona > Alexander* of the NTIA, *Milton Mueller* of the NCUC, former ICANN board > member *Bertrand de la Chappelle*, *Markus Kummer* of the Internet > Society,* Alice Munyua* of the African Union, and Internet Hall of Famer *George > Sadowsky*. *Larry Stricklin*g with give a final keynote. Remote > participation will be available via Adobe Connect, and there will be a live > webcast. Singapore is exactly half a day ahead of NYC so this all starts at > 10pm tonight and runs until 6am. > > *What*: NCUC Conference: ICANN and Global Internet Governance: The Road > to São Paulo, and Beyond > *Where*: Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore > *When*: Friday March 21 2014 10am-6pm SGT | 0200-1000 UTC | 2200-0600 EDT > *Agenda*: http://www.ncuc.org/singapore2014/programme/ > *Remote Participation*: > http://singapore49.icann.org/en/schedule/fri-ncuc-ig > *Webcast*: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-OSzgOT3jA > *Twitter*: @ncuc | > #ICANN49 > > Comment See all comments > > > *Permalink* > http://isoc-ny.org/p2/6421 > > > > > -- --------------------------------------------------------------- Joly MacFie 218 565 9365 Skype:punkcast WWWhatsup NYC - http://wwwhatsup.com http://pinstand.com - http://punkcast.com VP (Admin) - ISOC-NY - http://isoc-ny.org -------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From isolatedn at gmail.com Tue Mar 18 14:27:44 2014 From: isolatedn at gmail.com (Sivasubramanian M) Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 23:57:44 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] IGC press release in response to the NTIA announcement of March 14 In-Reply-To: <5327F7AF.5070104@cis-india.org> References: <5800F791D3D64A5FA6894D71AD81A110@Toshiba> <13BCD87FE58E4B7FA8F84F203701E533@Toshiba> <532598D1.90103@acm.org> <9B03F5AF-CF0B-4931-B968-66C33903C6ED@mail.utoronto.ca> <5327F7AF.5070104@cis-india.org> Message-ID: Hello Pranesh, On Tue, Mar 18, 2014 at 1:07 PM, Pranesh Prakash wrote: > Sivasubramanian M [2014-03-16 13:37:31]: > > Hello >> >> IGC supports the multistakeholder policymaking model to the extent that >>> it >>> does not contradict the ideals of democracy, including due consideration >>> to >>> the rights of minorities (in the context of Internet policy) >>> >> >> >> "to the extent that Mutli-stakeholder model contradict the ideals of >> democracy"? Multi-stakeholder model is expanded democracy, the next step >> in the further evolution of democracy. Is there room for this model to >> contradict the ideals of democracy??? >> > > Yes. A consensus model without a rights framework that safeguards > minorities can be harmful to minorities. One way of thinking is to clamor for the rights of men and women to be equally represented, developing and developed countries proportionately represented (giving rise to a sub-debate on whether weightage is to be given to the size of population, quantum of wealth, geographic size, size of the present Internet usage, or the size of the potential Internet usage, or the acceptability of the country's political ideology, or by a ranking of its own governance standards), north and south to be equally represented, east and west to be equally represented, each continent to be equally represented, rich and poor to be equally represented, technical and non-technical users to be equally represented, proprietary and non-proprietary philosophies to be proportionately represented, secular and religious nations to be equally represented, people of different religions to be equally represented, people of each and every language to be represented, able people and differently able people to be proportionately represented, &c Some may argue that this would be the way to go. But the danger lies in the complexity and impracticality of seating a representative from every conceivable division. That could lower the process to a process of degraded politics. Added to that would be the danger of particular groups of individuals being or becoming concerned with promoting their own private group's interest at the expense of common good; Within the equally, proportionately, or more-than-proportionately (as often in the case of minorities) represented groups, some would have a louder voice and gain greater influence to reap disproportionate benefits. Are we to assume, for instance, that any governance system where a certain religious group or a linguistic minority group is not actually in the governing council would enact laws that are harmful to that religious group or that linguistic minority that is not actually seated in the council? What we need is a Governance mechanism BEYOND DIVISIONS that would at all times consider the common good, including the good of minorities or the voiceless. Rousseau talks about the "lawgiver", we could equate the lawgiver to a seated Member of the Internet Governance, "This individual is the "lawgiver" (*le législateur*). The lawgiver is guided by sublime reason and by a concern for the common good, and he is an individual whose enlightened judgment can determine the principles of justice and utility which are best suited to society." The way forward is by insisting on individuals of above traits to be seated in positions. The hope lies in the design of the multi-stakeholder model which is open to scrutiny by everyone - everyone belonging to any of the innumerable groups that I struggled to enumerate. Strengthen this model, evolve this model, far greater justice will prevail. > > "consideration of rights of minorities" - If this is a Global process, >> open >> for participation from all stake-holders, from every nation, the policies >> that would emerge out of the process is bound to be balanced. The >> intention >> behind this thought about the "rights" of minorities might be noble, but >> as >> unintended consequences, this idea of special attention could >> lead to politicization of the process. >> > > You mean to say that Internet governance can be devoid of politics? I > don't see how that is either possible nor why that would be desirable. There is politics in Internet Governance. My idea is to minimize politics by avoiding divisions. Thank you. Sivasubramanian M​​ > > > > -- > Pranesh Prakash > Policy Director, Centre for Internet and Society > T: +91 80 40926283 | W: http://cis-india.org > ------------------- > Access to Knowledge Fellow, Information Society Project, Yale Law School > M: +1 520 314 7147 | W: http://yaleisp.org > PGP ID: 0x1D5C5F07 | Twitter: https://twitter.com/pranesh_prakash > > -- Sivasubramanian Muthusamy India +91 99524 03099 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ajp at glocom.ac.jp Wed Mar 19 08:47:29 2014 From: ajp at glocom.ac.jp (Adam Peake) Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 21:47:29 +0900 Subject: [bestbits] NETMundial remote hubs - request for hosts Message-ID: <59066598-D417-431B-8211-07BD74174E50@glocom.ac.jp> The NETMundial logistics committee has just issued a call for groups interested in operating a remote access hub for the meeting, April 23-24. Details on the conference website: The meeting will be webcast in seven languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. A hub can be located in any city around the world to allow anyone interested to join local discussions and to participate in NETmundial. Organizations wishing to host a hub should have necessary infrastructure (broadband access, projects), the hub meeting should be open to anyone. The organizer should be able to facilitate interactions both locally and with NETmundial. NETMundial logistics committee will provide help. Detail at the URL above. Adam From anriette at apc.org Thu Mar 20 05:17:03 2014 From: anriette at apc.org (Anriette Esterhuysen) Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 11:17:03 +0200 Subject: [bestbits] Re: AW: [governance] Input on IGF 2014 format and main sessions In-Reply-To: <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A8016420B1@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> References: <53273DCE.6070205@apc.org> <4F021523-9213-4CA0-AC9C-34BD7262B177@glocom.ac.jp> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A8016420B1@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> Message-ID: <532AB20F.2020305@apc.org> Thanks to all for input. Will send you summary of MAG meeting outcomes on IGF 2014 format as soon as it is ready. I think most of what you all suggested is being accommodated.. more or less. Anriette On 18/03/2014 12:24, "Kleinwächter, Wolfgang" wrote: > I agree here with Adam. Kepp the issues open as long as possible so that we can meet all the questions which are coming out from the procceses in April, May (inter aia the Ilves Report) and June (inter aliathe ICANN meeting in London with the high level GAC meeting and the ATLAS II). > > One idea which worked well in recent EURODIGs are "flash sessions". 30 or 45 minutes presentations by one or two presenters (speaker has no more than 10 (or 2x5) minutes followed by q&a). The subjects of the flash sessions can be defined at a later stage shortly before the meeting. > > wolfgang > > > ________________________________ > > Von: governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org im Auftrag von Adam Peake > Gesendet: Di 18.03.2014 11:08 > An: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; Anriette Esterhuysen > Cc: <,bestbits at lists.bestbits.net>, > Betreff: Re: [governance] Input on IGF 2014 format and main sessions > > > > Hi Anriette, > > Thanks for asking. > > To be honest, I'm not very clear what the difference is between main sessions and focus sessions -- what was the actual difference in Bali? > > Perhaps the Secretariat and MAG needs to do a better job of bringing the organizers of the various workshops into planning of the focus sessions. That didn't work well last, mainly I think because we hadn't thought through a new process (and to be honest I don't think 'feeder workshops' have ever worked and are unlikely to, a conference schedule can't permit.) > > I think we saw in Bali that topics on current interests work well. Development, tried yet again, and not satisfactory yet again (if going to do such sessions it must include a majority of developing country participants, and contributors who are development experts rather than well meaning policy geeks.) > > Did ypu find the policy questions helpful? Were they addressed in the sessions and did they add anything? I'm not sure they were widely used in most sessions. They seemed to be used as a bit of an after thought. > > Of the themes, suggest it would be helpful to leave a large block of time (50%) to address NETmundial outcomes and what we are learning from other processes. By mid-summer we'll have an idea of what's going into ITU plenipot, WSIS etc. React to what's happening rather than more on the same old themes. > > What does the overarching theme mean? Too many vague sub-themes, they provide little or no guidance to those submitting workshop proposals, and no help to MAG when assessing what's relevant/not. > > Adam > > > > On Mar 18, 2014, at 3:24 AM, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > >> Dear all >> >> There is a MAG meeting tomorrow and I would like your input on session formats. >> >> Should there be 'main sessions' or focus sessions? How many? One a day or only on the first day and the last day? >> >> What should the format be of these sessions? >> >> Should there be feeder workshops? Or Round Tables on a theme? >> >> Should the MAG make an open call for policy questions around which these focus/main sessions can be built? >> >> Looking at the main and sub themes for this year's IGF, on which topics do you feel main sessions/focus sessions are needed? >> >> >> Proposed Overaching Theme and Sub Themes for IGF 2014 >> >> >> Proposed Overarching Theme: Connecting Continents for Enhanced Multistakeholder Internet Governance >> >> Proposed Sub Themes: >> >> * Policies enabling Access >> * Content Creation, Dissemination and Use >> * Internet as engine for growth & development >> * IGF & The Future of the Internet ecosystem >> * Enhancing Digital Trust >> * Internet and Human Rights >> * Critical Internet Resources >> * Emerging Issues >> >> >> Thanks >> >> Anriette >> -- >> ------------------------------------------------------ >> anriette esterhuysen >> anriette at apc.org >> >> executive director, association for progressive communications >> >> www.apc.org >> >> po box 29755, melville 2109 >> south africa >> tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >> >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> To be removed from the list, visit: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >> >> For all other list information and functions, see: >> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >> >> Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t > > > > -- ------------------------------------------------------ anriette esterhuysen anriette at apc.org executive director, association for progressive communications www.apc.org po box 29755, melville 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nashton at consensus.pro Tue Mar 18 11:15:26 2014 From: nashton at consensus.pro (Nick Ashton-Hart) Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 16:15:26 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Input on IGF 2014 format and main sessions In-Reply-To: <4F021523-9213-4CA0-AC9C-34BD7262B177@glocom.ac.jp> References: <53273DCE.6070205@apc.org> <4F021523-9213-4CA0-AC9C-34BD7262B177@glocom.ac.jp> Message-ID: If this is in relation to the main session, I beg to differ - many positive comments were received on that session. A majority of the contributors were developing country participants, not 'well meaning policy geeks' - and in the case of one from Indonesia, we (CCIA) arranged for his travel and expenses to be covered so he could attend at all as it seemed important to us that developing country voices should be heard from. A tiny handful of us - almost entirely non-MAG - were left to our own devices in organising a main session. Candidly, MAG members ought to be glad someone took it on, since with the exception of Olga the rest mostly didn't even attend. On 18 Mar 2014, at 11:08, Adam Peake wrote: > I think we saw in Bali that topics on current interests work well. Development, tried yet again, and not satisfactory yet again (if going to do such sessions it must include a majority of developing country participants, and contributors who are development experts rather than well meaning policy geeks.) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 670 bytes Desc: Message signed with OpenPGP using GPGMail URL: From Guru at ITforChange.net Fri Mar 21 04:04:03 2014 From: Guru at ITforChange.net (=?UTF-8?B?R3VydSDgpJfgpYHgpLDgpYE=?=) Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 13:34:03 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] More revelations to come, says Snowden In-Reply-To: <532BE4AD.7010006@itforchange.net> References: <532BE4AD.7010006@itforchange.net> Message-ID: <532BF273.2080403@ITforChange.net> The WCIT "Freedom of expression storm troopers" should note, "“More communications are being intercepted in America about Americans than there are in Russia about Russians, Mr. Snowden said." Guru More revelations to come, says Snowden March 20, 2014 The former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden emerged from his Russian exile Tuesday in the form of a remotely-controlled robot to promise more sensational revelations about U.S. spying programmes. Mr. Snowden’s face appeared on a screen as he manoeuvred the wheeled android around a stage at the TED gathering, addressing an audience in Vancouver without ever leaving his secret hideaway. “There are absolutely more revelations to come,” he said. “Some of the most important reporting to be done is yet to come.” Mr. Snowden, a former National Security Agency contractor who has been charged in the United States with espionage, dismissed the public debate about whether he is a heroic whistleblower or traitor. Instead, he used the conference organised by educational non-profit organisation TED (“Technology Entertainment Design”), to call for people worldwide to fight for privacy and Internet freedom. Internet creator Tim Berners-Lee briefly joined Mr. Snowden’s interview with TED curator Chris Anderson, and came down in the hero camp. When Mr. Anderson posed the question to the TED audience — known for famous, innovative, and influential attendees — the idea that Mr. Snowden was a force for good met with applause. “Hero patriot or traitor; I would say I am an American citizen just like anyone else,” Mr. Snowden said. “What really matters here is the kind of government we want; the kind of Internet we want.” He said he was inspired to pass a huge trove of NSA files to reporters when he saw U.S. spying tactics going too far and intruding into the private data of millions of Internet and telephone customers. Mr. Snowden argued that if he had gone to the U.S. Congress with his concerns he would have risked being “buried along with the information.” He instead urged the “adversarial press” to challenge government and ignite public debate “without putting national security at risk.” He argued that the dangers critics have played up regarding disclosure of information have not materialised, and insisted that he remains comfortable with his decisions. He depicted the NSA’s Prism programme for getting user information from Internet firms as a way for the U.S. government to “deputise corporate America to do its dirty work.” And he blasted a U.S. secret court for seldom rejecting National Security Agency requests to compel Internet titans to turn over user data and U.S. legislators for showing little oversight. Mr. Snowden urged Internet companies to stand up against online snooping by encrypting online activity by default so spies could easily note anything from book browsing at Amazon.com to visiting websites. People should be able to book air travel, order books, make phone calls and send text messages without worrying about how it will look to an agent of the government, he declared. “More communications are being intercepted in America about Americans than there are in Russia about Russians,” Mr. Snowden said. He argued that the NSA was making the U.S., and the world, less safe by lobbying for weak standards that could open back doors into online venues or services such as online commerce or banking. “Our basic freedoms are not a partisan issue,” he said. “It is up to us to protect them; it is up to us to preserve the open Internet.” Mr. Snowden endorsed the campaign by Berners-Lee for a global Magna Carta laying out values and rights on the Internet. “A Magna Carta for the Internet is exactly what we need,” Mr. Snowden said. Mr. Anderson said that the NSA had been invited to take part in the TED chat with Mr. Snowden but it did not work out “for logistical reasons.” — AFP SOURCE - http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/more-revelations-to-come-says-snowden/article5807667.ece -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Wed Mar 19 13:25:23 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina Rossini) Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 13:25:23 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Republicans Uneasy About ICANN Decision, Schedule Hearing Message-ID: Republicans Uneasy About ICANN Decision, Schedule Hearing March 18, 2014, 5:14 PM PDT By Amy SchatzAs expected, Republicans are starting to fret somewhat over the Obama administration'sannouncement late Friday that the U.S. plans to give up oversight of ICANN, the Internet management body, in 2015. Conservatives have argued in the past that the U.S. needs to protect what control it has over the Internet and keep countries like China and Russia, which limit what citizens can see online, from making oversight decisions. House Energy and Commerce Republicans said Tuesday they'll "conduct aggressive oversight" over the decision and plan to hold a hearing in early April. -- *Carolina Rossini* *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* Open Technology Institute *New America Foundation* // http://carolinarossini.net/ + 1 6176979389 *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* skype: carolrossini @carolinarossini -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nnenna75 at gmail.com Thu Mar 20 05:26:19 2014 From: nnenna75 at gmail.com (Nnenna Nwakanma) Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 09:26:19 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] Re: AW: [governance] Input on IGF 2014 format and main sessions In-Reply-To: <532AB20F.2020305@apc.org> References: <53273DCE.6070205@apc.org> <4F021523-9213-4CA0-AC9C-34BD7262B177@glocom.ac.jp> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A8016420B1@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> <532AB20F.2020305@apc.org> Message-ID: Dear all, Anriette My quick thoughts below: Proposed Sub Themes: 1. Policies enabling Access 2. Content Creation, Dissemination and Use 3. Internet as engine for growth & development 4. IGF & The Future of the Internet ecosystem I think this is a key theme and I will say we hold at least 1 focus session at the beginning and 1 at the end. Maybe the first on principles and the last on mechanism. My little finger tells me there will be a lot of workshops in between discussing modalities and these, I believe, can feed in to the last focus session. There is a lot happening between now and Istanbul that we will really like to have a clear vision forward on this particular topic 1. Enhancing Digital Trust 2. Internet and Human Rights 3. Critical Internet Resources 4. Emerging Issues The NTIA announcement comes in here. Where next? Especially after ICANN would have held its own meeting. Would be a great time to also tie up in a kind of focus session. Best regards N On Thu, Mar 20, 2014 at 9:17 AM, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > Thanks to all for input. Will send you summary of MAG meeting outcomes > on IGF 2014 format as soon as it is ready. > > I think most of what you all suggested is being accommodated.. more or > less. > > Anriette > > > On 18/03/2014 12:24, "Kleinwächter, Wolfgang" wrote: > > I agree here with Adam. Kepp the issues open as long as possible so that we can meet all the questions which are coming out from the procceses in April, May (inter aia the Ilves Report) and June (inter aliathe ICANN meeting in London with the high level GAC meeting and the ATLAS II). > > One idea which worked well in recent EURODIGs are "flash sessions". 30 or 45 minutes presentations by one or two presenters (speaker has no more than 10 (or 2x5) minutes followed by q&a). The subjects of the flash sessions can be defined at a later stage shortly before the meeting. > > wolfgang > > > ________________________________ > > Von: governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org im Auftrag von Adam Peake > Gesendet: Di 18.03.2014 11:08 > An: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; Anriette Esterhuysen > Cc: <,bestbits at lists.bestbits.net>, > Betreff: Re: [governance] Input on IGF 2014 format and main sessions > > > > Hi Anriette, > > Thanks for asking. > > To be honest, I'm not very clear what the difference is between main sessions and focus sessions -- what was the actual difference in Bali? > > Perhaps the Secretariat and MAG needs to do a better job of bringing the organizers of the various workshops into planning of the focus sessions. That didn't work well last, mainly I think because we hadn't thought through a new process (and to be honest I don't think 'feeder workshops' have ever worked and are unlikely to, a conference schedule can't permit.) > > I think we saw in Bali that topics on current interests work well. Development, tried yet again, and not satisfactory yet again (if going to do such sessions it must include a majority of developing country participants, and contributors who are development experts rather than well meaning policy geeks.) > > Did ypu find the policy questions helpful? Were they addressed in the sessions and did they add anything? I'm not sure they were widely used in most sessions. They seemed to be used as a bit of an after thought. > > Of the themes, suggest it would be helpful to leave a large block of time (50%) to address NETmundial outcomes and what we are learning from other processes. By mid-summer we'll have an idea of what's going into ITU plenipot, WSIS etc. React to what's happening rather than more on the same old themes. > > What does the overarching theme mean? Too many vague sub-themes, they provide little or no guidance to those submitting workshop proposals, and no help to MAG when assessing what's relevant/not. > > Adam > > > > On Mar 18, 2014, at 3:24 AM, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > > > Dear all > > There is a MAG meeting tomorrow and I would like your input on session formats. > > Should there be 'main sessions' or focus sessions? How many? One a day or only on the first day and the last day? > > What should the format be of these sessions? > > Should there be feeder workshops? Or Round Tables on a theme? > > Should the MAG make an open call for policy questions around which these focus/main sessions can be built? > > Looking at the main and sub themes for this year's IGF, on which topics do you feel main sessions/focus sessions are needed? > > > Proposed Overaching Theme and Sub Themes for IGF 2014 > > > Proposed Overarching Theme: Connecting Continents for Enhanced Multistakeholder Internet Governance > > Proposed Sub Themes: > > * Policies enabling Access > * Content Creation, Dissemination and Use > * Internet as engine for growth & development > * IGF & The Future of the Internet ecosystem > * Enhancing Digital Trust > * Internet and Human Rights > * Critical Internet Resources > * Emerging Issues > > > Thanks > > Anriette > -- > ------------------------------------------------------ > anriette esterhuysenanriette at apc.org > > executive director, association for progressive communications > www.apc.org > > po box 29755, melville 2109 > south africa > tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t > > > > > > -- > ------------------------------------------------------ > anriette esterhuysen anriette at apc.org > executive director, association for progressive communicationswww.apc.org > po box 29755, melville 2109 > south africa > tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 > > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Guru at ITforChange.net Fri Mar 21 06:37:16 2014 From: Guru at ITforChange.net (=?UTF-8?B?R3VydSDgpJfgpYHgpLDgpYE=?=) Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 16:07:16 +0530 Subject: [governance] Re: [bestbits] need for regulation .... In-Reply-To: <57725fde13d044fc89fd30239786e884@EX13-MBX-07.ad.syr.edu> References: <531D9366.9060301@ITforChange.net> <53270110.40803@ITforChange.net> ,<532714E7.7010107@ITforChange.net> <57725fde13d044fc89fd30239786e884@EX13-MBX-07.ad.syr.edu> Message-ID: <532C165C.6040106@ITforChange.net> Dear Lee, The issue of a secret / proprietary search algorithm that may have commercial and political implications contra to public interest, is clearly out of the remit of 'technical management of day to day issues', which a body like ICANN needs to concern itself with. I never mentioned ICANN at all in my mails for that reason. Issues such as this (or illegal sharing of private information by Vodafone with the spy agency of the UK Government, or that of evasion of tax by Internet businesses) would come under the remit of the 'global public policy' making which is beyond the remit of ICANN. What I was seeking was a process of global norms building, and if found necessary, setting up of global policy frameworks, recognising the extraordinary public interest nature of the search service, (search being the key factor organising the worlds information/knowledge for all of us). There are parallels that we can take note of; for instance, in the case of medicines - the composition of medicines may be sought to be protected by pharmaceutical companies as their trade secret, but this is not allowed, it is mandatory to provide the complete details of the composition on the packaging itself; while on the other hand, such a standard may not apply to Coke (as that is not considered to be of such high public interest). Existing UN bodies do take responsibility for developing global norms, policy frameworks## / standards of various kinds, WHO for drugs, UNESCO for education and cultural goods. Often norms building can go into treaty making processes, such as UNESCO's treaty on cultural goods, whereby cultural goods are considered of special public interest and need not fall into normal world trade regulatory frameworks. As per this treaty, for instance, countries can have quotas on the number of Hollywood films that are allowed to be imported in a year. Similar global norms building, and treaties are required to ensure that the current situation where large US based IT trans-nationals are compromising public interest for their commercial gains (and political aims of the USG) does not persist. (The extra-ordinary hypocrisy in their coming together at WCIT to thwart the possibilities of democratisation of the Internet is what I alluded to in my recent post). The Tunis Agenda envisaged that some of these complex issues would be dealt with under the 'enhanced co-operation' processes, which unfortunately has been stone-walled by those who have vested interests in the status quo. 'Multi-Stakeholderism' has spectacularly failed to make even the smallest progress in promoting such public interest, since it allows the powerful to stalemate any move in that direction. Many of us know how just having a workshop at the IGF on enhanced cooperation was so difficult. The current situation, as I pointed out is untenable, it privileges a powerful (and criminal as per Snowden) minority. Global civil society IG space like the IGC must work for the development of norms that promote the public interest and counter this power. As a starting point, I would like to call for an agreement on the list, that the current situation of the search algorithm being a secret is untenable. The practical issues raised by Adam, David and others can then be explored for solutions, but can we agree first on the proposition that Google search algorithm needs an audit to ensure it is not commercially and politically harmful (as explained many times by me). regards, Guru ## You have worked on 'framework convention for the Internet' in the past as well...recognising the complexity of public policy issues relating to the Internet, far beyond what an ICANN can or ought to do. On 03/17/2014 10:10 PM, Lee W McKnight wrote: > Hey Guru, > > As I have previously stated, competition policy is a purview of > states, and at global level, organizations like the WTO; and draft > treaties like the TPP, like it or not. > > ICANN can set its own - subsidiary - policies in that arena but it > is far more likely the Chinese, Indian, French, EU, and US relevant > government agencies will have oversight of Google search effects on > market competition - and what a coincidence, all of them have a > variety of competition policy inquiries into Google search and other > practices going on right now. > > Of course Best Bits and IGC are free to weigh in on the specifics in > each of those cases, and make recommendations for new global public > policies, for the global Internet economy also in the competition > policy arena broadly speaking. > > But, I am more than a little unclear, OK I am seriously confused, if > you now are suggesting ICANN should weigh in and be a place that can > set that level of competition policy. In a hypothetical future > out-of-California state? > > I suggest we are confounding levels of political, and regulatory > authority, if we are suggesting that ICANN should substitute, or > even have a place at the table, with competition policy matters > before the WTO, OECD, TPP, and Indian, Chinese, French, EU, and US > governments - to just list the competition policy/regulatory arenas I > am aware of where Google practices are in question, there might be > more. > > To end on a positive/speculative note, if you are suggesting a new > UDRP-like arrangement whereby ICANN provides/channels > multi-stakeholder input into say WTO/EU?/national competition policy > inquiries...well, that would be - different : ) > > Lee > > ________________________________________ From: > bestbits-request at lists.bestbits.net > on behalf of Guru गुरु > Sent: Monday, March 17, 2014 11:29 AM To: > bestbits at lists.bestbits.net; governance at lists.igcaucus.org Subject: > Re: [governance] Re: [bestbits] need for regulation .... > > On 03/17/2014 08:20 PM, Adam Peake wrote: >> On Mar 17, 2014, at 11:05 PM, Guru गुरु wrote: >> >>> David, >>> >>> On 03/17/2014 11:16 AM, David Cake wrote: >>>> On 10 Mar 2014, at 6:26 pm, Guru गुरु >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Dear all, >>>>> >>>>> Not clear, how in Multistakeholderism, where the private >>>>> sector has an equal footing in public policy making, we will >>>>> get Google to agree that its search algorithm, as the key >>>>> factor organising the worlds information/knowledge for all >>>>> of us, needs to be public knowledge, not a commercial >>>>> secret. The need for it to be public knowledge stems from >>>>> privacy/surveillance concerns, because such fundamental >>>>> knowledge ought to be available as 'cultural commons' that >>>>> others can take/re-use/revise, fostering competition etc. >>>> Indeed. It is particularly unclear because many in civil >>>> society, or government for that matter, might oppose it >>>> becoming public knowledge. Such a course of action would >>>> almost certainly lead to many Google searches returning results >>>> ranked according to the most industrious search engine >>>> optimisation service customers, rather than having at least a >>>> reasonable chance of being ranked in a useful way. >>> Adam also mentioned the issue of searches being gamed and I did >>> give a response ... >> Hi Guru, >> >> Apologies, I took your reply as agreeing with the points I made, >> so I didn't bother to reply further. You agreed to a high >> probability of gaming occurring... and suggested research. I took >> this as you agreeing that you had been too enthusiastic when >> stating that Google's search algorithm needs to be public >> knowledge. > Hardly Adam, for any public policy, there will be innumerable > issues/challenges. the challenge of gaming is obvious and I have no > doubt it needs to be and can be addressed. > > By the same logic, free and open source software should have the > maximum viruses since it the source code is freely available. > Paradoxically, while Windows is plagued with viruses, GNU/Linux is > not. One of the reasons given is that, the open source allows many > people to study and identify issues and help resolve it... whereas > this is not possible with proprietary software. > > Do you accept that Google keeping its search algorithm has dangerous > public interest implications - we really dont know what is hidden > in the code used by millions of users and how it may have malignant > code that can serve its commercial (and post Snowden we know how many > US IT companies are hand in glove with the USG) political interest > of its masters.? If yes, then you need to think of a public > interest based response to this ... the ball is in your court as > well.. > > Guru > >> Best, >> >> Adam >> >> >> -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From anriette at apc.org Tue Mar 18 07:24:59 2014 From: anriette at apc.org (Anriette Esterhuysen) Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 13:24:59 +0200 Subject: [bestbits] Re: AW: [governance] Input on IGF 2014 format and main sessions In-Reply-To: <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A8016420B1@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> References: <53273DCE.6070205@apc.org> <4F021523-9213-4CA0-AC9C-34BD7262B177@glocom.ac.jp> <2DA93620FC07494C926D60C8E3C2F1A8016420B1@server1.medienkomm.uni-halle.de> Message-ID: <53282D0B.4000709@apc.org> Dear Adam and Wolfgang (and those who responded offlist) First, clarification. 'Focus' session is just another term of saying 'main session'. It means a session in a big room that focuses on one of the IGF's subthemes or something like 'taking stock'. The idea of flash sessions is already on the table. Actually the MAG is talking about the IGF including different and newer formats. Veronica Cretu has done quite a lot of work on this. Translating it into practice is not always so easy, but we are trying. Some people who were at RightsCon which took place recently also wrote to me saying they would like the IGF to learn from other large events when it comes to formats. And someone else wrote saying we should - as the MAG - be prescriptive with formats and just let session organisers decide what format they want to use. I will share feedback on the overarching theme - which Adam said was vague, and someone else wrote to me to say it sounded like we were going to focus on intercontinental submarine cables :) Do remember that the IGF main theme is generally the outcome of consensus among MAG members and is usually vague. One proposal I am thinking of is to have an opening session where we have a panel that does very brief scene setting on the sub theme of this year's IGF. This could be 3 hour main session on the first day. The panel would give 10 minute inputs on the sub themes followed by discussion and questions. Workshop/session organisers can talk about what they are dealing with in their events related to these themes. * Policies enabling Access * Content Creation, Dissemination and Use * Internet as engine for growth & development * IGF & The Future of the Internet ecosystem * Enhancing Digital Trust * Internet and Human Rights * Critical Internet Resources I am leaving out emerging issues as it has a different role. On the last day we can have round tables for each of these subthemes that gather together workshop/session organisers as well as dynamic coalitions. These round tables should be tasked with identifying what intersessional work is needed, and by whom and in which space, to take discussions at the IGF forward. To build on Adam's proposal we should have a main session on Net Mundial outcomes. We might even want to have two separate main sessions, depending on what happens at the NetMundial. I like Wolfgang's idea that we should keep things open at this point, and see what happens later on in the year before we finalise what main or focus sessions to organised - or MAG organised sessions as we refer to them to distinguish from all the community organised sessions like workshops. At least until the May MAG meeting as by then we will have a clearer idea of what the IGF can most usefully focus on. I also like the idea of having flash session topics be finalised later. This would be possible I think. Anriette On 18/03/2014 12:24, "Kleinwächter, Wolfgang" wrote: > I agree here with Adam. Kepp the issues open as long as possible so that we can meet all the questions which are coming out from the procceses in April, May (inter aia the Ilves Report) and June (inter aliathe ICANN meeting in London with the high level GAC meeting and the ATLAS II). > > One idea which worked well in recent EURODIGs are "flash sessions". 30 or 45 minutes presentations by one or two presenters (speaker has no more than 10 (or 2x5) minutes followed by q&a). The subjects of the flash sessions can be defined at a later stage shortly before the meeting. > > wolfgang > > > ________________________________ > > Von: governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org im Auftrag von Adam Peake > Gesendet: Di 18.03.2014 11:08 > An: governance at lists.igcaucus.org; Anriette Esterhuysen > Cc: <,bestbits at lists.bestbits.net>, > Betreff: Re: [governance] Input on IGF 2014 format and main sessions > > > > Hi Anriette, > > Thanks for asking. > > To be honest, I'm not very clear what the difference is between main sessions and focus sessions -- what was the actual difference in Bali? > > Perhaps the Secretariat and MAG needs to do a better job of bringing the organizers of the various workshops into planning of the focus sessions. That didn't work well last, mainly I think because we hadn't thought through a new process (and to be honest I don't think 'feeder workshops' have ever worked and are unlikely to, a conference schedule can't permit.) > > I think we saw in Bali that topics on current interests work well. Development, tried yet again, and not satisfactory yet again (if going to do such sessions it must include a majority of developing country participants, and contributors who are development experts rather than well meaning policy geeks.) > > Did ypu find the policy questions helpful? Were they addressed in the sessions and did they add anything? I'm not sure they were widely used in most sessions. They seemed to be used as a bit of an after thought. > > Of the themes, suggest it would be helpful to leave a large block of time (50%) to address NETmundial outcomes and what we are learning from other processes. By mid-summer we'll have an idea of what's going into ITU plenipot, WSIS etc. React to what's happening rather than more on the same old themes. > > What does the overarching theme mean? Too many vague sub-themes, they provide little or no guidance to those submitting workshop proposals, and no help to MAG when assessing what's relevant/not. > > Adam > > > > On Mar 18, 2014, at 3:24 AM, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > >> Dear all >> >> There is a MAG meeting tomorrow and I would like your input on session formats. >> >> Should there be 'main sessions' or focus sessions? How many? One a day or only on the first day and the last day? >> >> What should the format be of these sessions? >> >> Should there be feeder workshops? Or Round Tables on a theme? >> >> Should the MAG make an open call for policy questions around which these focus/main sessions can be built? >> >> Looking at the main and sub themes for this year's IGF, on which topics do you feel main sessions/focus sessions are needed? >> >> >> Proposed Overaching Theme and Sub Themes for IGF 2014 >> >> >> Proposed Overarching Theme: Connecting Continents for Enhanced Multistakeholder Internet Governance >> >> Proposed Sub Themes: >> >> * Policies enabling Access >> * Content Creation, Dissemination and Use >> * Internet as engine for growth & development >> * IGF & The Future of the Internet ecosystem >> * Enhancing Digital Trust >> * Internet and Human Rights >> * Critical Internet Resources >> * Emerging Issues >> >> >> Thanks >> >> Anriette >> -- >> ------------------------------------------------------ >> anriette esterhuysen >> anriette at apc.org >> >> executive director, association for progressive communications >> >> www.apc.org >> >> po box 29755, melville 2109 >> south africa >> tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 >> >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> To be removed from the list, visit: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >> >> For all other list information and functions, see: >> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >> >> Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t > > > > -- ------------------------------------------------------ anriette esterhuysen anriette at apc.org executive director, association for progressive communications www.apc.org po box 29755, melville 2109 south africa tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gurstein at gmail.com Tue Mar 18 19:32:22 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 16:32:22 -0700 Subject: [bestbits] Wired: US pledges to loosen grip on net. Don't be fooled Message-ID: <04ad01cf4302$53c66420$fb532c60$@gmail.com> http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2014-03/18/us-internationalise-internet -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jefsey at jefsey.com Wed Mar 19 15:31:27 2014 From: jefsey at jefsey.com (Jefsey) Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 20:31:27 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [discuss] Republicans Uneasy About ICANN Decision, Schedule Hearing In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Carolina, I quoted the immediate reaction of GOP, they obviously continue. Your quote of the FCC Commissionner is also interesting. If you consider them carefully (as well as RFC 6852) you might have, like I have, the distinctive feeling that the real issue is not so much the decision about what to do, but that it has to be collective, so no one can be made responsible of a failure. The decision is not that easy for the USG. They have managed an incredible development for all, they are the leading beneficiary. But they know this is partly a piece of luck, partly due to their funding, partly to a fundamental enthusiasm of a little group of people that may not renew or enlarge to the global diversity. The real question is the one RFC 6852 starts with: the "huge bounty" resulting from the internet and the web. And (IMHO) of the missing middle-layer between these two propositions: intelligence. What is worrying too, for everyone, is the NTIA lie: that the Class IN topzone db.file is the core of the Internet. It is difficult to know what will be the political response to the Class "IN" TopRep file. Certainly, the ICANN "ROOT" now also includes the IP addresses, but will it be enough to calm the TM lobby? Will the Democrats be able to show that the decisions were also Republican, that Richard Clarke's doctrine was not applied by any side, that BGP is still as vulnerable as before? The real problem, we civil society IUsers (informed users) face is the uncertainty between now and end 2015. Every technical development we can engage and innovation we can propose must stay away from the IETF technology, because derivative works can be legally objected in US courts. jfc From ceo at bnnrc.net Thu Mar 20 13:25:19 2014 From: ceo at bnnrc.net (AHM Bazlur Rahman) Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 23:25:19 +0600 Subject: [bestbits] Bangladesh Delegation@ NETmundial 2014 Sao Paulo, Brazil Message-ID: *Bangladesh Delegation@ NETmundial 2014 Sao Paulo, Brazil* Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (BIGF) is joining The Global Multistakeholder Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance on 23rd and 24th April, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. *Mr. Hasanul Haq Inu, MP*. the hon'ble Minister, Ministry of Infromation, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh will lead the 5 members Bangladesh delegation to NETmundial. The delegation member has composed of 1 representatives from government, 1 from private sector, 1 from civil society, 1 policy expert and 1from technical community. Other Delegation Members are; *Dr. Md Akram Hossain Chowdhury*, Chairperson & Policy Expert, Center for e-Parliament Research, *Ms. Afroza Haq*, Member of Bangladesh Association of Software & Information Services (BASIS), *Mohammad Abdul Haque* (M. A. Haque Anu) Secretary General Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (BIGF) and Assistant Editor Monthly Computer Jagat, and *AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR*, Chief Executive Officer, Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) and Member The Multi-Stakeholder Steering Group (MSG) of Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) ------------------------------- *Bazlu* ________________________ AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR *| *Chief Executive Officer *|* Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) *[NGO in Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council]* House: 13/3, Road: 2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207*|* Bangladesh*|* Phone: +88-02-9130750| 9101479 | Cell: +88 01711881647 Fax: 88-02-9138501 *|* E-mail: ceo at bnnrc.net* |* bnnr cbd at gmail.com *|* www.bnnrc.net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jc.nothias at theglobaljournal.net Fri Mar 21 16:22:43 2014 From: jc.nothias at theglobaljournal.net (Jean-Christophe NOTHIAS I The Global Journal) Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 21:22:43 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] FW: [IP] Forget the NSA. Tech Companies May Be Reading Your Email Too In-Reply-To: <00b801cf452e$c1494390$43dbcab0$@gmail.com> References: <00b801cf452e$c1494390$43dbcab0$@gmail.com> Message-ID: ...And in the name of "Freedom of expression" for... business, as ever. Amusingly, giving up the idea of local storage turns out to be more challenging to the Google, FB and others, as Brazil president wants foreign to companies to " be subject to Brazilian rules in case of legal disputes involving data, regardless of whether it is stored elsewhere." It seems like the Marco Civil da Internet is now going that easy, and Rousseff wants to regulate net neutrality by presidential decree. For once, a governmental player, head of state seems to be fighting for its people. JC Brazil gives up on local data storage, demands net neutrality Summary: Government backs down on demands of local datacenters in a bid to get support from the opposition but net neutrality remains a sticking point By Angelica Mari for Brazil Tech | March 19, 2014 -- 20:07 GMT (13:07 PDT) Topics: Mobility, Government, IT Priorities, IT Policies, IT Security in the Snowden Era In the latest chapter of Brazil's Marco Civil da Internet, Dilma Rousseff's government has backed down from its intentions to demand that companies store data locally in order to get opposition support to pass the country's first set of internet governance rules. Despite being unhappy about the numerous delays around the voting of the Bill, the president agreed to postpone it once again to remove the requirement for local datacenters. Even though Rousseff and key ministers had voiced their preference to enforce local storage followingthe NSA espionage scandal, the requirements were strongly criticized by businesses and the opposition - their point being that this could mean cost increases to users since companies would have to build local facilities. The government may have given up on local storage demands, but will require that companies will be subject to Brazilian rules in case of legal disputes involving data, regardless of whether it is stored elsewhere. "The question that is not negotiable is that the Brazilian law should be applicable to any data that has originated or circulates here in Brazil. Of course, having the data stored locally would make [the enforcement of the local regulations] easier," congressional relations minister Ideli Salvatti told Radio Estadão. However, ditching local storage is not enough as net neutrality remains the most controversial point of the Marco Civil. Supported by the opposition, the telco industry wants to continue to base its business on data discrimination - this means setting higher or lower speeds according to individual internet usage patterns, load certain websites faster and also offer free access to certain content while charging for others. While the government does not want to negotiate net neutrality, Dilma also wants to be able to regulate it by presidential decree after the Marco Civil is approved - but part of the government's supporter base and the opposition do not agree on that particular move. Opposition leader Eduardo Cunha has said openly that a decree to regulate how telcos operate is a major annoyance, adding that this would get on the way of "freedom." However, the freedom cited by Cunha is more to do with business models rather than internet user rights. The disagreements and the escalating tension between the opposition and the president's main ministers - particularly minister Salvatti, who was one of the main supporters of the requirement for local datacenters and was pushing for the voting of the Marco to take place yesterday - prompted the voting of the Bill to be postponed once again until next Tuesday (25). The Marco Civil is now right at the center of a political battle involving interests that dig deeper than just guaranteeing civil rights in the use of the Internet - but Dilma wants to sanction it before April, when Brazil will be hosting a global internet governance event. However, time is short and the list of challenges appears to be getting longer. Le 21 mars 2014 à 18:55, michael gurstein a écrit : > Some information on another Internet Freedom supporter and significant IG > "stakeholder"... > > http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26677607 > > M > > -----Original Message----- > From: David Farber [mailto:farber at gmail.com] > Sent: Friday, March 21, 2014 4:34 AM > To: ip > Subject: [IP] Forget the NSA. Tech Companies May Be Reading Your Email Too > > Begin forwarded message: > > From: Dewayne Hendricks > Subject: [Dewayne-Net] Forget the NSA. Tech Companies May Be Reading Your > Email Too > Date: March 21, 2014 at 7:22:35 AM EDT > To: Multiple recipients of Dewayne-Net > Reply-To: dewayne-net at warpspeed.com > > Forget the NSA. Tech Companies May Be Reading Your Email Too By ROBERT > MCMILLAN Mar 21 2014 > > > Ever since Edward Snowden revealed the NSA's widespread efforts to eavesdrop > on the web's most popular services - including Google and Microsoft and > Facebook - the leaders of these companies have called on the government to > be more transparent about the data it's lifting wholesale from their private > operations. > > But lost in this debate over privacy and national security is another > question: How often are these internet companies snooping on their customers > themselves? You can now read polished and detailed "transparency reports" > that explain how often Google, Facebook, and Microsoft respond to government > requests for user data, but these reports don't say how often the companies > are doing this on their own. > > It's a question that came to the fore this week when Microsoft helped U.S. > authorities arrest Alex Kibkalo, a Microsoft employee who allegedly leaked > company secrets to an outside blogger. Microsoft identified Kibkalo after > rummaging through the blogger's private email account, which happened to run > on its own email service, Hotmail. > > All of the big web companies have detailed privacy policies, but they > generally give themselves broad rights to access customer email if they're > protecting their own rights, says Nicole Ozer, technology and civil > liberties policy director at the ACLU. "This situation should be a bit of a > wakeup call," she says of the Microsoft incident. "These email services are > not free. We're playing a high price for these email services when we click, > 'I agree.'" > > How big of a wakeup call? On Thursday, after fielding questions from > reporters about the Kibkalo situation, Microsoft suddenly announced that, in > its bi-annual transparency reports, it will start publishing information > about how often it accesses private customer data in this way. > > That's a major policy change. Here's what led to the incident. Upset over a > bad performance review, Kibkalo allegedly leaked an unreleased version of > Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system to a blogger in France. According to > court documents, the August 18, 2012, Windows leak sparked an intense > internal investigation, and the turning point came in September 2012, when > an unnamed source tipped off Steven Sinofsky, the president of Microsoft's > Windows Division at the time. > > The source gave Sinofsky a Hotmail address that belonged to the French > blogger (also not named) and said that the blogger was the person who had > received the leaked software. Microsoft had already been interested in the > blogger, but apparently, after the tip-off, the company's security team did > something that raised alarm bells with privacy advocates. Instead of taking > their evidence to law enforcement, they decided to search through the > blogger's private messages themselves. Four days after Sinofsky's tip-off, > Microsoft lawyers "approved content pulls of the blogger's Hotmail account," > the court filings state. > > By trolling through the Hotmail email messages and MSN Messenger instant > message logs, Microsoft learnt how Kibkalo and the blogger pulled off the > leak, says Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent Armando Ramirez > III, in an affidavit filed in connection with the case. Microsoft handed > over the results of its investigation to the FBI in 2013, and Kibkalo was > arrested on Wednesday. > > In a statement, Microsoft said that this kind of search happens "only in the > most exceptional circumstances." But the company couldn't say how many of > these searches it has done in the past. > > [snip] > > Dewayne-Net RSS Feed: > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------- > Archives: https://www.listbox.com/member/archive/247/=now > RSS Feed: https://www.listbox.com/member/archive/rss/247/22720195-c2c7cbd3 > Modify Your Subscription: > https://www.listbox.com/member/?member_id=22720195&id_secret=22720195-8fdd43 > 08 > Unsubscribe Now: > https://www.listbox.com/unsubscribe/?member_id=22720195&id_secret=22720195-9 > 7c5b007&post_id=20140321073433:C3BA81FA-B0EC-11E3-8C43-A34846FD82EE > Powered by Listbox: http://www.listbox.com > > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nnenna75 at gmail.com Sun Mar 23 04:45:07 2014 From: nnenna75 at gmail.com (Nnenna Nwakanma) Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2014 08:45:07 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [aisi-ig-l] Dot Africa contract signing ceremony In-Reply-To: <55676.10.254.253.3.1395558196.squirrel@sqmail.gn.apc.org> References: <55676.10.254.253.3.1395558196.squirrel@sqmail.gn.apc.org> Message-ID: Thanks, Alice.. sharing at the same time to the larger networks On Sun, Mar 23, 2014 at 8:33 AM, Alice Munyua wrote: > Dear Colleagues, > > Apologies for cross posting. > > > The AUC/ZACR Dot Africa contract signing ceremony will take place during > the ICANN meeting in Singapore. > > For those present, please see below details > > When: Wednesday 26 at > Time: 18.30 > Venue: CANNING room > > There will be video coverage and live streaming for this historic moment. > > > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gurstein at gmail.com Sat Mar 22 19:18:28 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 16:18:28 -0700 Subject: [bestbits] RE: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? In-Reply-To: <532E0E64.2040007@cs.tcd.ie> References: <012001cf4532$76fae830$64f0b890$@gmail.com> <20140321183053.GA38840@mx1.yitter.info> <014301cf4535$c767b700$56372500$@gmail.com> <20140321185735.GB38840@mx1.yitter.info> <532cd2b2.e7bcb40a.4a94.ffffed9fSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <532d8c7e.8259440a.5ba8.ffffe7ebSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <048d01cf45f0$320241b0$9606c510$@gmail.com> <532DEC08.5010703@cs.tcd.ie> <057201cf4618$602d61a0$208824e0$@gmail.com> <532E0E64.2040007@cs.tcd.ie> Message-ID: <05be01cf4625$09172600$1b457200$@gmail.com> To be clear Stephen, As meetings among professionals to discuss professional/technical matters, it makes (or should make) no difference to anyone who provides the funding. However, as bodies which are being identified as core mechanisms in the global governance of the Internet (and as central to the desired global stampede towards MSism) it matters a very great deal. Is it really acceptable for the process towards the establishment of global standards for sugar intake to be "(co)sponsored" by Coca Cola for example; or for that matter for Coca Cola to have a member on the Board of one of the key technical bodies making recommendations towards those standards? M -----Original Message----- From: Stephen Farrell [mailto:stephen.farrell at cs.tcd.ie] Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2014 3:28 PM To: michael gurstein; 'McTim' Cc: 'bestbits'; '1Net List'; governance at lists.igcaucus.org Subject: Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? Hi Michael, I don't agree that there's an inherent conflict of interest involved in the IETF being sponsored by large companies that operate in IT/networking. That's in large part due to how the IETF is setup and managed openly and transparently etc. Again, if someone wants to go check it out, I think all the sponsorships are public and I know all the mailing lists are there and all the IETF nomcom memberships and selections etc etc. To the best of my knowledge you will not find any such conflict is real. And while I have no axe to grind for Comcast, I did in the past work for another large company in that space and I really would be surprised if one of those is that much worse or better than another. I think they all have their good and less good aspects, as do many large organisations, such as governments. I also think your broader point about MSism not being in your view the right model does not require you to try to argue that the IETF's funding creates such a conflict. Especially since the IETF doesn't have such a conflict. You would do far better to argue that the IETF setup is pretty good but doesn't generalise as claimed I figure. Oh, and if you have suggestions as to how the IETF could get other sources of funding, I know for sure that the ISOC folks who chase that money to support the IETF and RFC editor would just love to hear from you:-) S. On 03/22/2014 09:47 PM, michael gurstein wrote: > Tks Stephen, > > > > Please note that my comments were meant for the larger audience of > those with an interest in how the Internet is and is to be managed/governed i.e. > all of those impacted by the Internet which by now includes most > everyone in the world. It was only incidentally meant for those, > including those most active on this (and other IG related) lists, for > whom no argument that presents critical analyses or questions > concerning this drive towards MSism apparently can be countenanced. > > > > What I said was: > > > > It seems quite explicit that the IETF and ISOC, two of the major > pillars of multistakeholderism which is so vehemently being promoted > by the US Government and its followers in the tech and civil society > communities as a replacement for democratic governance of the > Internet, have long histories of accepting payments from Comcast a > major US corporation which is widely understood as being among the > least ethical and possibly most active in undermining US policy and > regulatory processes in support of its own narrow economic self-interests (increasingly encompassing the Internet). > > > > So far no one has questioned the truth of this statement. > > > > "We" and here I mean all of those in the larger audience I'm referring > to above are being asked to accept this state of affairs unquestioningly. > > > > Earlier I noted some highly questionable experiences with the MS > process as currently being operationalized through 1Net and elsewhere. > I received no useful explanation or response. > > > > Additionally I introduced a series of questions with respect to how > various "risks" associated with MSism might be handled given the > significance that is being given to MSism as the preferred mechanism > for Internet (and other?) governance arrangements. I received no explanation or response. > > > > In this current interaction I noted what appeared to be at least the > potential for a significant conflict of interest in two of the primary > current mechanisms for MSism which as we know is being explicitly > described as a post-democratic governance mechanism for the Internet. > You have seen the quality and content of the responses to my questions > and comments in this area. > > > > I have made no accusations either explicit or implicit concerning the > IETF or ISOC. I don't know enough about either of them to have any > opinion in these matters. > > > > However, those who do know rather more about the role that Comcast is > playing in the current communications policy and regulatory activities > in the US are raising warning flags to such an extent that one has > little alternative but to question the role that Comcast may be > playing in the quite parallel global Internet "governance" mechanisms > as per the IETF and ISOC. If nothing else there is the appearance of a > conflict of interest and given the other risks already pointed to with > respect to MSism and Global Internet Governance one surely must add > this to the list i.e. is it safe to proceed to a governance framework > where there are no evident or explicit boundaries between private > sector activities and interests and the public interest. > > > > Of course, as I believe is the case for many on this list, there is no > belief that the Internet should be managed or governed in the public > interest (rather than as a concatenation of, or "consensus" among > private > interests) then this question has no meaning. However, one hopes that > if nothing else, the NetMundial meeting will clearly affirm that the > overwhelming priority of the peoples of the world is to have the > Internet governed in the public interest and with the principles for > Internet governance being based on this fundamental value. > > > > Best, > > > > Mike > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Stephen Farrell [mailto:stephen.farrell at cs.tcd.ie] > Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2014 1:01 PM > To: michael gurstein; 'McTim' > Cc: bestbits; '1Net List'; governance at lists.igcaucus.org > Subject: Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? > > > > > > Hi Michael, > > > > I think you're very far off base there, if you're suggesting that the > IETF are somehow corrupted by this sponsorship. If you're not > suggesting that, then making that clear would be helpful I think. > > > > The IETF's funding is pretty transparent I think. Between this kind of > new multi-year deal and meeting sponsorships, I think it mostly does > come from large IT/networking companies. (But a substantial chunk > comes from meeting participants via meeting > > fees.) > > > > It seems to me that no large company has even been a saint. But so what? > That has afaik no influence on what the IETF does other than > individual people thank the sponsors now and then. > > > > Also, I don't recall the IETF ever proposing that our way of handling > rough consensus would, could or should be used in any other context. > Maybe some people have said or think that but the IETF hasn't said any > such thing that I recall. So you're also conflating entirely separate > things I think, and in an unfair manner. > > > > Anyway, sponsoring the IETF doesn't get anyone any favourable > treatment that I've seen in the last nearly 19 years of being involved > with the IETF. You can believe me or not on that, and either way you > can audit all the mailing lists and (since the datatracker tool was > developed) all the IESG comments on drafts as they become RFCs. I > don't believe you will find even a dubious correlation, but I'd be interested if you did. > > > > IMO you are just barking up the wrong tree. > > > > S. > > > > On 03/22/2014 05:00 PM, michael gurstein wrote: > >> I'm not sure why it might be a "snide insinuation". > >> > >> > >> > >> It seems quite explicit that the IETF and ISOC, two of the major > >> pillars of multistakeholderism which is so vehemently being promoted > >> by the US Government and its followers in the tech and civil society > >> communities as a replacement for democratic governance of the > >> Internet, have long histories of accepting payments from Comcast a > >> major US corporation which is widely understood as being among the > >> least ethical and possibly most active in undermining US policy and > >> regulatory processes in support of its own narrow economic >> self-interests > (increasingly encompassing the Internet). > >> > >> > >> > >> >> > mc> > http://www.infoworld.com/t/cringely/corruption-distortion-control-comc > >> asts-r > >> eal-life-house-of-cards-238904 > >> > >> > >> > >> InfoWorld Home < >> http://www.infoworld.com/> / > Notes from the Field > >> < > http://www.infoworld.com/blogs/robert-x.-cringely> / Corruption, > >> distortion, control: Comcast's... > >> > >> < > http://www.infoworld.com/blogs/robert-x-cringely> Robert X. Cringely > >> > >> March 21, 2014 > >> > >> Corruption, distortion, control: Comcast's real-life 'House of Cards' > >> > >> The frenzy over the proposed Time Warner merger hides damning details > >> of Comcast's power-hungry moves > >> > >> By Robert X. Cringely > >> < > http://www.infoworld.com/author-bios/robert-x-cringely> | InfoWorld > >> < http://www.infoworld.com/> > >> > >> Let's talk about Comcast, he said, hands trembling and the big vein >> in > >> his forehead throbbing like a jungle drum. I hit the FCC's Net > >> neutrality delusion > >> > f > >> ight-f > >> air-access-237815> in a previous post, where FCC Chairman Tom >> air-access-237815> Wheeler > >> interpreted the Supreme Court's Net neutering decision as giving the > >> FCC even broader powers of control over the big Internet providers > >> instead of the steel-toed kick to his crotch it really is. Complete > >> double-talk seems to the standard for the Internet provider business >> these > days. > >> > >> Comcast is a perfect example of a we-don't-care, double-talking, > >> slavering, rampaging telecom/cable monstrosity that's using this > >> consumer-crippling legislation to topple our competitive choices like > >> Godzilla strolling through Tokyo. It's only going to get worse. Sure, > >> there are tinfoil hats preaching ridiculous Comcast conspiracies, but > >> maybe the wingnuts are on to something, even if they're starting out >> from > pothead premises. > >> > >> The deal that's been in the news the most recently is Comcast's move > >> to devour Time Warner Cable. You'd think Time Warner might not be > >> superhappy about this deal, but its CEO, Rob Marcus, got up at the > >> Deutsche Bank Media, Internet and Telecom Conference held earlier >> this > >> month in the highly industrious locale of Palm Beach, Fla., and > >> enthused that the $45 billion merger will put all of us in >> happy-happy > land. > >> > >> Newsflash: It won't. Rather, get ready to be dumped into > >> hugely-screwed-douche-broom land. The deal means that Comcast is set > >> to service about two-thirds of the American population with both > >> Internet and entertainment. How many of those folks are going to have > >> an actual, practical choice? > >> > >> Comcast spreads it tentacles > >> Tellingly Marcus has been Time Warner's CEO for only about two >> months, > >> and recently leaked information on his compensation package shows >> that > >> he stands to make robber baron money if the merger goes through -- to > >> the tune of about $80 million > >> < > http://bgr.com/2014/03/20/comcast-twc-merger-news-ceo-marcus/> . How > >> could he possibly be biased? I know I'm a cynical old fart, but is it > >> loony to suspect that Comgraft may have had a hand in getting this >> guy > >> a key to the executive bathroom? If there was any justice, he'd have > >> to write a resignation letter right this minute with ink made from > >> rectal blood and salty tears. > >> > >> The fate of U.S. Internet pipes isn't all that's on the block. With > >> Net laws castrated as they currently are, Comcast can also opt to > >> bully content providers and control what you can and can't access on > >> what amounts to its Internet. In a recent blog post, Netflix CEO Reed > >> Hastings sounds like he's complaining about this trend -- never mind >> he's > already validated it. > >> Netflix complained of degraded throughput to its customers about a > >> month ago, then paid Com-lie an exorbitant extortion fee, and presto! > >> Its service quality was magically restored. Hastings and Comcast >> paint > >> this as a big win for consumers, but they're actually saying we're as > >> dumb as a bag of hammers. > >> > >> Doesn't seem very snide or insinuatory to me. > >> > >> > >> > >> And yes, most non-corrupted public policy processes are publicly > >> funded with appropriate degrees of transparency and accountability >> and > >> with clear boundaries between public interests and private interests > >> guarded with varying degrees of ferocity by laws governing conflicts > >> of interest and suborning of public officials and public policy > >> processes. What isn't made clear in the overwhelming forces and > >> banshee howling of support for MSism is that at its heart it is an > >> attempt to foist the generally acknowledged as corrupted US telecom > >> policy and regulatory system on the Internet and on the world. > >> > >> > >> > >> And a question for you and all the other multistakeholderists-is this > >> what you want for Global Internet Governance? > >> > >> > >> > >> M > >> > >> > >> > >> From: discuss-bounces at 1net.org [ > mailto:discuss-bounces at 1net.org] On > >> Behalf Of McTim > >> Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2014 7:07 AM > >> To: Michel Gauthier > >> Cc: 1Net List > >> Subject: Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> On Sat, Mar 22, 2014 at 9:12 AM, Michel Gauthier < > mg at telepresse.com> wrote: > >> > >> At 02:45 22/03/2014, McTim wrote: > >> > >> If you are trying to make an argument by quoting rfc3869 and then > >> quoting a page from the ISOC website I think you will have to do > >> better than that, as one is related to research and the Comcast > >> partnership is about IETF meetings and other activities. ISOC itself > >> doesn't do research in the way that DNS-OARC or CAIDA or others do it. > >> ISOC does surveys mainly and recently economic effects of IXPs, etc. > >> > >> If you would prefer public funding for IETF activities, then please > >> state that, otherwise, one can't tell what your argument is all about. > >> > >> > >> > >> I only do my collection, analysis and reporting job after sorting > >> real, tricky, naive and noisy inputs, on this and other equivalent > >> lists or fora where real infuencing strategies are observable. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> So far, you are not even speculating that there is an 'influencing > >> strategy", you are merely posting random factoids seemingly in >> support > >> of the other MGs snide insinuations. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> To my knowledge DNS-OARC is a private club > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> This has nothing to do with what I pointed out about them, that they > >> do research of the kind that you suggested that the IETF does. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> of which the interest in users support is characterized by its > >> > https://www.dns-oarc.net/oarc/services/dnsentropy page which states: > >> "On August 7, 2008, Dan Kaminsky > >> < > http://www.ioactive.com/kaminsky.html> will release additional > details about these poisoning attacks. " > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> another tangental red-herring. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> CAIDA membership is beyond financial access to FLOSS IUsers and > >> corporations interested in their market, what is my focussed area. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> This doesn't mask the fact that they do research on 'future Internet > issues" > >> > >> > >> > >> My question to you still stands. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> How would you like the IETF to be funded?? > >> > >> > >> > >> rgds, > >> > >> > >> > >> McTim > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> discuss mailing list > >> discuss at 1net.org > >> > http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss > >> > > From jefsey at jefsey.com Sat Mar 22 20:03:19 2014 From: jefsey at jefsey.com (Jefsey) Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2014 01:03:19 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? In-Reply-To: <05be01cf4625$09172600$1b457200$@gmail.com> References: <012001cf4532$76fae830$64f0b890$@gmail.com> <20140321183053.GA38840@mx1.yitter.info> <014301cf4535$c767b700$56372500$@gmail.com> <20140321185735.GB38840@mx1.yitter.info> <532cd2b2.e7bcb40a.4a94.ffffed9fSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <532d8c7e.8259440a.5ba8.ffffe7ebSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <048d01cf45f0$320241b0$9606c510$@gmail.com> <532DEC08.5010703@cs.tcd.ie> <057201cf4618$602d61a0$208824e0$@gmail.com> <532E0E64.2040007@cs.tcd.ie> <05be01cf4625$09172600$1b457200$@gmail.com> Message-ID: Dear Michael and Stephen, I think that the issues you address are documented enough by RFC 3869 and 6852 as topics, and by the 53 years old Farewell address as principles, i.e. what Fadi only hope to be discussed in Sao Paulo. People can read these three documents the way they want. They can dispute as much as they want: they are here, they are well written, they concern our today responsibility and the people who wrote them were in charge and certainly had good reasons to write them. All we know, is that if *we* do not address these reasons in a consensual manner, we will jointly fail. jfc At 00:18 23/03/2014, michael gurstein wrote: >As meetings among professionals to discuss professional/technical matters, >it makes (or should make) no difference to anyone who provides the funding. > >However, as bodies which are being identified as core mechanisms in the >global governance of the Internet (and as central to the desired global >stampede towards MSism) it matters a very great deal. > >Is it really acceptable for the process towards the establishment of global >standards for sugar intake to be "(co)sponsored" by Coca Cola for example; >or for that matter for Coca Cola to have a member on the Board of one of the >key technical bodies making recommendations towards those standards? > >M > >-----Original Message----- >From: Stephen Farrell [mailto:stephen.farrell at cs.tcd.ie] >Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2014 3:28 PM >To: michael gurstein; 'McTim' >Cc: 'bestbits'; '1Net List'; governance at lists.igcaucus.org >Subject: Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? > > >Hi Michael, > >I don't agree that there's an inherent conflict of interest involved in the >IETF being sponsored by large companies that operate in IT/networking. >That's in large part due to how the IETF is setup and managed openly and >transparently etc. Again, if someone wants to go check it out, I think all >the sponsorships are public and I know all the mailing lists are there and >all the IETF nomcom memberships and selections etc etc. To the best of my >knowledge you will not find any such conflict is real. > >And while I have no axe to grind for Comcast, I did in the past work for >another large company in that space and I really would be surprised if one >of those is that much worse or better than another. I think they all have >their good and less good aspects, as do many large organisations, such as >governments. > >I also think your broader point about MSism not being in your view the right >model does not require you to try to argue that the IETF's funding creates >such a conflict. Especially since the IETF doesn't have such a conflict. You >would do far better to argue that the IETF setup is pretty good but doesn't >generalise as claimed I figure. > >Oh, and if you have suggestions as to how the IETF could get other sources >of funding, I know for sure that the ISOC folks who chase that money to >support the IETF and RFC editor would just love to hear from you:-) > >S. > > >On 03/22/2014 09:47 PM, michael gurstein wrote: > > Tks Stephen, > > > > > > > > Please note that my comments were meant for the larger audience of > > those with an interest in how the Internet is and is to be >managed/governed i.e. > > all of those impacted by the Internet which by now includes most > > everyone in the world. It was only incidentally meant for those, > > including those most active on this (and other IG related) lists, for > > whom no argument that presents critical analyses or questions > > concerning this drive towards MSism apparently can be countenanced. > > > > > > > > What I said was: > > > > > > > > It seems quite explicit that the IETF and ISOC, two of the major > > pillars of multistakeholderism which is so vehemently being promoted > > by the US Government and its followers in the tech and civil society > > communities as a replacement for democratic governance of the > > Internet, have long histories of accepting payments from Comcast a > > major US corporation which is widely understood as being among the > > least ethical and possibly most active in undermining US policy and > > regulatory processes in support of its own narrow economic self-interests >(increasingly encompassing the Internet). > > > > > > > > So far no one has questioned the truth of this statement. > > > > > > > > "We" and here I mean all of those in the larger audience I'm referring > > to above are being asked to accept this state of affairs unquestioningly. > > > > > > > > Earlier I noted some highly questionable experiences with the MS > > process as currently being operationalized through 1Net and elsewhere. > > I received no useful explanation or response. > > > > > > > > Additionally I introduced a series of questions with respect to how > > various "risks" associated with MSism might be handled given the > > significance that is being given to MSism as the preferred mechanism > > for Internet (and other?) governance arrangements. I received no >explanation or response. > > > > > > > > In this current interaction I noted what appeared to be at least the > > potential for a significant conflict of interest in two of the primary > > current mechanisms for MSism which as we know is being explicitly > > described as a post-democratic governance mechanism for the Internet. > > You have seen the quality and content of the responses to my questions > > and comments in this area. > > > > > > > > I have made no accusations either explicit or implicit concerning the > > IETF or ISOC. I don't know enough about either of them to have any > > opinion in these matters. > > > > > > > > However, those who do know rather more about the role that Comcast is > > playing in the current communications policy and regulatory activities > > in the US are raising warning flags to such an extent that one has > > little alternative but to question the role that Comcast may be > > playing in the quite parallel global Internet "governance" mechanisms > > as per the IETF and ISOC. If nothing else there is the appearance of a > > conflict of interest and given the other risks already pointed to with > > respect to MSism and Global Internet Governance one surely must add > > this to the list i.e. is it safe to proceed to a governance framework > > where there are no evident or explicit boundaries between private > > sector activities and interests and the public interest. > > > > > > > > Of course, as I believe is the case for many on this list, there is no > > belief that the Internet should be managed or governed in the public > > interest (rather than as a concatenation of, or "consensus" among > > private > > interests) then this question has no meaning. However, one hopes that > > if nothing else, the NetMundial meeting will clearly affirm that the > > overwhelming priority of the peoples of the world is to have the > > Internet governed in the public interest and with the principles for > > Internet governance being based on this fundamental value. > > > > > > > > Best, > > > > > > > > Mike > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Stephen Farrell [mailto:stephen.farrell at cs.tcd.ie] > > Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2014 1:01 PM > > To: michael gurstein; 'McTim' > > Cc: bestbits; '1Net List'; governance at lists.igcaucus.org > > Subject: Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi Michael, > > > > > > > > I think you're very far off base there, if you're suggesting that the > > IETF are somehow corrupted by this sponsorship. If you're not > > suggesting that, then making that clear would be helpful I think. > > > > > > > > The IETF's funding is pretty transparent I think. Between this kind of > > new multi-year deal and meeting sponsorships, I think it mostly does > > come from large IT/networking companies. (But a substantial chunk > > comes from meeting participants via meeting > > > > fees.) > > > > > > > > It seems to me that no large company has even been a saint. But so what? > > That has afaik no influence on what the IETF does other than > > individual people thank the sponsors now and then. > > > > > > > > Also, I don't recall the IETF ever proposing that our way of handling > > rough consensus would, could or should be used in any other context. > > Maybe some people have said or think that but the IETF hasn't said any > > such thing that I recall. So you're also conflating entirely separate > > things I think, and in an unfair manner. > > > > > > > > Anyway, sponsoring the IETF doesn't get anyone any favourable > > treatment that I've seen in the last nearly 19 years of being involved > > with the IETF. You can believe me or not on that, and either way you > > can audit all the mailing lists and (since the datatracker tool was > > developed) all the IESG comments on drafts as they become RFCs. I > > don't believe you will find even a dubious correlation, but I'd be >interested if you did. > > > > > > > > IMO you are just barking up the wrong tree. > > > > > > > > S. > > > > > > > > On 03/22/2014 05:00 PM, michael gurstein wrote: > > > >> I'm not sure why it might be a "snide insinuation". > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> It seems quite explicit that the IETF and ISOC, two of the major > > > >> pillars of multistakeholderism which is so vehemently being promoted > > > >> by the US Government and its followers in the tech and civil society > > > >> communities as a replacement for democratic governance of the > > > >> Internet, have long histories of accepting payments from Comcast a > > > >> major US corporation which is widely understood as being among the > > > >> least ethical and possibly most active in undermining US policy and > > > >> regulatory processes in support of its own narrow economic > >> self-interests > > (increasingly encompassing the Internet). > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > >> > > mc> > > http://www.infoworld.com/t/cringely/corruption-distortion-control-comc > > > >> asts-r > > > >> eal-life-house-of-cards-238904 > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> InfoWorld Home < > >> http://www.infoworld.com/> / > > Notes from the Field > > > >> < > > http://www.infoworld.com/blogs/robert-x.-cringely> / Corruption, > > > >> distortion, control: Comcast's... > > > >> > > > >> < > > http://www.infoworld.com/blogs/robert-x-cringely> Robert X. Cringely > > > >> > > > >> March 21, 2014 > > > >> > > > >> Corruption, distortion, control: Comcast's real-life 'House of Cards' > > > >> > > > >> The frenzy over the proposed Time Warner merger hides damning details > > > >> of Comcast's power-hungry moves > > > >> > > > >> By Robert X. Cringely > > > >> < > > http://www.infoworld.com/author-bios/robert-x-cringely> | InfoWorld > > > >> < http://www.infoworld.com/> > > > >> > > > >> Let's talk about Comcast, he said, hands trembling and the big vein > >> in > > > >> his forehead throbbing like a jungle drum. I hit the FCC's Net > > > >> neutrality delusion > > > >> > f > > > >> ight-f > > > >> air-access-237815> in a previous post, where FCC Chairman Tom > >> air-access-237815> Wheeler > > > >> interpreted the Supreme Court's Net neutering decision as giving the > > > >> FCC even broader powers of control over the big Internet providers > > > >> instead of the steel-toed kick to his crotch it really is. Complete > > > >> double-talk seems to the standard for the Internet provider business > >> these > > days. > > > >> > > > >> Comcast is a perfect example of a we-don't-care, double-talking, > > > >> slavering, rampaging telecom/cable monstrosity that's using this > > > >> consumer-crippling legislation to topple our competitive choices like > > > >> Godzilla strolling through Tokyo. It's only going to get worse. Sure, > > > >> there are tinfoil hats preaching ridiculous Comcast conspiracies, but > > > >> maybe the wingnuts are on to something, even if they're starting out > >> from > > pothead premises. > > > >> > > > >> The deal that's been in the news the most recently is Comcast's move > > > >> to devour Time Warner Cable. You'd think Time Warner might not be > > > >> superhappy about this deal, but its CEO, Rob Marcus, got up at the > > > >> Deutsche Bank Media, Internet and Telecom Conference held earlier > >> this > > > >> month in the highly industrious locale of Palm Beach, Fla., and > > > >> enthused that the $45 billion merger will put all of us in > >> happy-happy > > land. > > > >> > > > >> Newsflash: It won't. Rather, get ready to be dumped into > > > >> hugely-screwed-douche-broom land. The deal means that Comcast is set > > > >> to service about two-thirds of the American population with both > > > >> Internet and entertainment. How many of those folks are going to have > > > >> an actual, practical choice? > > > >> > > > >> Comcast spreads it tentacles > > > >> Tellingly Marcus has been Time Warner's CEO for only about two > >> months, > > > >> and recently leaked information on his compensation package shows > >> that > > > >> he stands to make robber baron money if the merger goes through -- to > > > >> the tune of about $80 million > > > >> < > > http://bgr.com/2014/03/20/comcast-twc-merger-news-ceo-marcus/> . How > > > >> could he possibly be biased? I know I'm a cynical old fart, but is it > > > >> loony to suspect that Comgraft may have had a hand in getting this > >> guy > > > >> a key to the executive bathroom? If there was any justice, he'd have > > > >> to write a resignation letter right this minute with ink made from > > > >> rectal blood and salty tears. > > > >> > > > >> The fate of U.S. Internet pipes isn't all that's on the block. With > > > >> Net laws castrated as they currently are, Comcast can also opt to > > > >> bully content providers and control what you can and can't access on > > > >> what amounts to its Internet. In a recent blog post, Netflix CEO Reed > > > >> Hastings sounds like he's complaining about this trend -- never mind > >> he's > > already validated it. > > > >> Netflix complained of degraded throughput to its customers about a > > > >> month ago, then paid Com-lie an exorbitant extortion fee, and presto! > > > >> Its service quality was magically restored. Hastings and Comcast > >> paint > > > >> this as a big win for consumers, but they're actually saying we're as > > > >> dumb as a bag of hammers. > > > >> > > > >> Doesn't seem very snide or insinuatory to me. > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> And yes, most non-corrupted public policy processes are publicly > > > >> funded with appropriate degrees of transparency and accountability > >> and > > > >> with clear boundaries between public interests and private interests > > > >> guarded with varying degrees of ferocity by laws governing conflicts > > > >> of interest and suborning of public officials and public policy > > > >> processes. What isn't made clear in the overwhelming forces and > > > >> banshee howling of support for MSism is that at its heart it is an > > > >> attempt to foist the generally acknowledged as corrupted US telecom > > > >> policy and regulatory system on the Internet and on the world. > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> And a question for you and all the other multistakeholderists-is this > > > >> what you want for Global Internet Governance? > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> M > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> From: discuss-bounces at 1net.org [ > > mailto:discuss-bounces at 1net.org] On > > > >> Behalf Of McTim > > > >> Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2014 7:07 AM > > > >> To: Michel Gauthier > > > >> Cc: 1Net List > > > >> Subject: Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> On Sat, Mar 22, 2014 at 9:12 AM, Michel Gauthier < > > mg at telepresse.com> wrote: > > > >> > > > >> At 02:45 22/03/2014, McTim wrote: > > > >> > > > >> If you are trying to make an argument by quoting rfc3869 and then > > > >> quoting a page from the ISOC website I think you will have to do > > > >> better than that, as one is related to research and the Comcast > > > >> partnership is about IETF meetings and other activities. ISOC itself > > > >> doesn't do research in the way that DNS-OARC or CAIDA or others do it. > > > >> ISOC does surveys mainly and recently economic effects of IXPs, etc. > > > >> > > > >> If you would prefer public funding for IETF activities, then please > > > >> state that, otherwise, one can't tell what your argument is all about. > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> I only do my collection, analysis and reporting job after sorting > > > >> real, tricky, naive and noisy inputs, on this and other equivalent > > > >> lists or fora where real infuencing strategies are observable. > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> So far, you are not even speculating that there is an 'influencing > > > >> strategy", you are merely posting random factoids seemingly in > >> support > > > >> of the other MGs snide insinuations. > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> To my knowledge DNS-OARC is a private club > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> This has nothing to do with what I pointed out about them, that they > > > >> do research of the kind that you suggested that the IETF does. > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> of which the interest in users support is characterized by its > > > >> > > https://www.dns-oarc.net/oarc/services/dnsentropy page which states: > > > >> "On August 7, 2008, Dan Kaminsky > > > >> < > > http://www.ioactive.com/kaminsky.html> will release additional > > details about these poisoning attacks. " > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> another tangental red-herring. > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> CAIDA membership is beyond financial access to FLOSS IUsers and > > > >> corporations interested in their market, what is my focussed area. > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> This doesn't mask the fact that they do research on 'future Internet > > issues" > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> My question to you still stands. > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> How would you like the IETF to be funded?? > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> rgds, > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> McTim > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> _______________________________________________ > > > >> discuss mailing list > > > >> discuss at 1net.org > > > >> > > http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss > > > >> > > > > > > >_______________________________________________ >discuss mailing list >discuss at 1net.org >http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Mon Mar 24 09:12:08 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina) Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2014 09:12:08 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Fwd: Important Note from ICANN on IANA Steward Function Transfer References: Message-ID: Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: > Resent-From: > From: Joe Catapano > Date: March 24, 2014 at 7:54:30 AM EDT > To: "rossini at newamerica.net" > Subject: Important Note from ICANN on IANA Steward Function Transfer > > Dear Carolina, > > As you are likely aware, the United States government recently announced its intention to transfer its technical role as steward of the IANA Functions to the global Internet multistakeholder community. > > In 1998, the year ICANN was formed, the U.S. government determined that as the Internet expanded globally, its stewardship would one day become the responsibility of all Internet stakeholders —stakeholders representing not just governments, but also business, non-commercial interests, technical and academic communities and independent Internet users around the world. > > Since its formation, ICANN has fulfilled its contractual obligations in executing these technical functions, and achieved both operational excellence and organizational maturity. Now, the U.S. government has asked ICANN to apply a multistakeholder approach to the transition of its stewardship role, and launch a process that allows the community to design a bottom-up framework. The process will include opportunities for global multistakeholder input, including input from ICANN’s Supporting Organizations and Advisory Committees and directly-impacted parties. > > If you are interested in becoming further involved with this community consultation process, please see the timeline below. > > 17 March 2014: Posting of ICANN announcement outlining the principles of engaging with the community, and the objectives of the public consultation in Singapore. > 21-27 March 2014: ICANN 49 (Singapore) – public dialogue and consultation with the community on how the mechanisms for the transition should occur. > 7 April 2014: Posting of output of Singapore discussion and proposed timeline and specific next steps. > 22-26 June 2014: ICANN 50 (London) – gathering of global multistakeholder community to build upon progress from previous meeting. > 12-16 October 2014: ICANN 51 (Los Angeles) – gathering of global multistakeholder community to build upon progress from previous meetings. > March 2015: ICANN 52 (date/location TBD) – gathering of global multistakeholder community to build upon progress from previous meetings. > June 2015: ICANN 53 (date/location TBD) – gathering of global multistakeholder community to build upon progress from previous meetings. > 30 September 2015: IANA contract expires > > I look forward to having your support as we move forward on this historic process. > > Sincerely, > > Christopher Mondini > VP, Global Stakeholder Engagement, North America > > Joe Catapano > Coordinator, Global Stakeholder Engagement, North America > > Joe Catapano > Coordinator, Stakeholder Engagement, North America > +1.202.249.7544 (direct) > +1.202.550.6018 (mobile) > Skype: joe.catapano.icann > Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers > www.icann.org > @JosephCatapano > @ICANN > Facebook.com/icannorg > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jc.nothias at theglobaljournal.net Fri Mar 21 16:41:41 2014 From: jc.nothias at theglobaljournal.net (Jean-Christophe NOTHIAS I The Global Journal) Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 21:41:41 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] FW: [IP] Forget the NSA. Tech Companies May Be Reading Your Email Too In-Reply-To: References: <00b801cf452e$c1494390$43dbcab0$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <0F02A6B3-AE3E-41DE-8639-1017712913E6@theglobaljournal.net> You are right McTim, But, to please you, lets look at this Reuters report regarding the same topic where Google Inc, Facebook... are duly mentioned. And let's see if Google et al are ok to accept Brazilian Laws for Brazilian cases, and German laws, and French laws, and Indian Laws.... :-) I am sure the Google PRs are already working on this Brazil to drop local data storage rule in Internet bill BY ANTHONY BOADLE BRASILIA Tue Mar 18, 2014 10:24pm EDT 0 COMMENTS inShare 12 Share this Email Print The National Security Agency (NSA) logo is shown on a computer screen inside the Threat Operations Center at the NSA in Fort Meade, Maryland, January 25, 2006 FILE PHOTO. CREDIT: REUTERS/JASON REED RELATED TOPICS Tech » Media » (Reuters) - Brazil will drop a controversial provision that would have forced global Internet companies to store data on Brazilian users inside the country to shield them from U.S. spying, a government minister said on Tuesday. The rule was added last year to proposed Internet governance legislation after revelations that the U.S. National Security Agency had spied on the digital communications of Brazilians, including those of their President Dilma Rousseff and the country's biggest company Petroleo Brasileiro SA. Instead, the legislation will say that companies such as Google Inc and Facebook Inc are subject to Brazilian laws in cases involving information on Brazilians even if the data is stored abroad, congressional relations minister Ideli Salvatti told reporters. She said the bill, which is opposed by Rousseff allies in the lower chamber of Congress, has enough support to be put to the vote on Wednesday. Salvatti said the government will not negotiate a key provision in the bill on net neutrality, which has faced strong opposition from telecom companies in Brazil because it would bar them from introducing differential pricing according to Internet usage and speeds, such as higher rates for downloading videos. Regulation of the business aspects of the new legislation can be done later by executive decree, she said. The legislation dubbed Brazil's "Internet Constitution" protects freedom of expression, safeguards privacy and sets limits to the gathering and use of metadata on Internet users. It ran into opposition from government allies in the PMDB party, Brazil´s largest, who opposed the net neutrality provision, while the requirement for in-country data storage had the Internet companies up in arms. They complained it would increase their costs and erect unnecessary barriers in one of the world's largest Internet markets. However, following the spying revelations based on documents leaked by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, requiring Internet companies to store data on Brazilians inside the country so that it could be subject to Brazilian laws became a priority for Rousseff. Documents leaked by Snowden last year included revelations that the NSA secretly collected data stored on servers by Internet companies such as Google and Yahoo Inc. Facebook has some 70 million users in Brazil, its third biggest market after the United States and India, and Google has a big slice of the local digital advertising market. The reported espionage using powerful Internet surveillance programs upset relations between the United States and Brazil and led Rousseff to cancel a state visit to Washington in October and denounce massive electronic surveillance of the Internet in a speech to the U.N. General Assembly. Rousseff and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, another leader allegedly spied on by the NSA, have led international efforts to limit mass electronic surveillance and Brazil will host a global conference on the future of Internet governance next month. (Additional reporting by Maria Carolina Marcello; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) __________________________ Jean-Christophe Nothias Editor in Chief jc.nothias at theglobaljournal.net @jc_nothias Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook Follow my Op-Eds at the Huffington Post US Palais des Nations SP2-53 8-14 avenue de la Paix 1211 Geneva, Switzerland T: +41 22 917 12 97 www.theglobaljournal.com Le 21 mars 2014 à 21:33, McTim a écrit : > > > > On Fri, Mar 21, 2014 at 4:22 PM, Jean-Christophe NOTHIAS I The Global Journal wrote: > ...And in the name of "Freedom of expression" for... business, as ever. > > Amusingly, giving up the idea of local storage turns out to be more challenging to the Google, FB and others > > > > Nowhere in the article you posted does it mention Google or FB as being unwilling to support NN. > > These are Telcos who want "Freedom" to milk their customers, not "Freedom of Expression". > > > -- > Cheers, > > McTim > "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: r.jpeg Type: image/jpeg Size: 39091 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Global_logo-175x50px.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 14790 bytes Desc: not available URL: From gurstein at gmail.com Sat Mar 22 13:00:13 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 10:00:13 -0700 Subject: [bestbits] RE: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? In-Reply-To: References: <012001cf4532$76fae830$64f0b890$@gmail.com> <20140321183053.GA38840@mx1.yitter.info> <014301cf4535$c767b700$56372500$@gmail.com> <20140321185735.GB38840@mx1.yitter.info> <532cd2b2.e7bcb40a.4a94.ffffed9fSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <532d8c7e.8259440a.5ba8.ffffe7ebSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> Message-ID: <048d01cf45f0$320241b0$9606c510$@gmail.com> I'm not sure why it might be a "snide insinuation". It seems quite explicit that the IETF and ISOC, two of the major pillars of multistakeholderism which is so vehemently being promoted by the US Government and its followers in the tech and civil society communities as a replacement for democratic governance of the Internet, have long histories of accepting payments from Comcast a major US corporation which is widely understood as being among the least ethical and possibly most active in undermining US policy and regulatory processes in support of its own narrow economic self-interests (increasingly encompassing the Internet). http://www.infoworld.com/t/cringely/corruption-distortion-control-comcasts-r eal-life-house-of-cards-238904 InfoWorld Home / Notes from the Field / Corruption, distortion, control: Comcast's... Robert X. Cringely March 21, 2014 Corruption, distortion, control: Comcast's real-life 'House of Cards' The frenzy over the proposed Time Warner merger hides damning details of Comcast's power-hungry moves By Robert X. Cringely | InfoWorld Let's talk about Comcast, he said, hands trembling and the big vein in his forehead throbbing like a jungle drum. I hit the FCC's Net neutrality delusion in a previous post, where FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler interpreted the Supreme Court's Net neutering decision as giving the FCC even broader powers of control over the big Internet providers instead of the steel-toed kick to his crotch it really is. Complete double-talk seems to the standard for the Internet provider business these days. Comcast is a perfect example of a we-don't-care, double-talking, slavering, rampaging telecom/cable monstrosity that's using this consumer-crippling legislation to topple our competitive choices like Godzilla strolling through Tokyo. It's only going to get worse. Sure, there are tinfoil hats preaching ridiculous Comcast conspiracies, but maybe the wingnuts are on to something, even if they're starting out from pothead premises. The deal that's been in the news the most recently is Comcast's move to devour Time Warner Cable. You'd think Time Warner might not be superhappy about this deal, but its CEO, Rob Marcus, got up at the Deutsche Bank Media, Internet and Telecom Conference held earlier this month in the highly industrious locale of Palm Beach, Fla., and enthused that the $45 billion merger will put all of us in happy-happy land. Newsflash: It won't. Rather, get ready to be dumped into hugely-screwed-douche-broom land. The deal means that Comcast is set to service about two-thirds of the American population with both Internet and entertainment. How many of those folks are going to have an actual, practical choice? Comcast spreads it tentacles Tellingly Marcus has been Time Warner's CEO for only about two months, and recently leaked information on his compensation package shows that he stands to make robber baron money if the merger goes through -- to the tune of about $80 million . How could he possibly be biased? I know I'm a cynical old fart, but is it loony to suspect that Comgraft may have had a hand in getting this guy a key to the executive bathroom? If there was any justice, he'd have to write a resignation letter right this minute with ink made from rectal blood and salty tears. The fate of U.S. Internet pipes isn't all that's on the block. With Net laws castrated as they currently are, Comcast can also opt to bully content providers and control what you can and can't access on what amounts to its Internet. In a recent blog post, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings sounds like he's complaining about this trend -- never mind he's already validated it. Netflix complained of degraded throughput to its customers about a month ago, then paid Com-lie an exorbitant extortion fee, and presto! Its service quality was magically restored. Hastings and Comcast paint this as a big win for consumers, but they're actually saying we're as dumb as a bag of hammers. Doesn't seem very snide or insinuatory to me. And yes, most non-corrupted public policy processes are publicly funded with appropriate degrees of transparency and accountability and with clear boundaries between public interests and private interests guarded with varying degrees of ferocity by laws governing conflicts of interest and suborning of public officials and public policy processes. What isn't made clear in the overwhelming forces and banshee howling of support for MSism is that at its heart it is an attempt to foist the generally acknowledged as corrupted US telecom policy and regulatory system on the Internet and on the world. And a question for you and all the other multistakeholderists-is this what you want for Global Internet Governance? M From: discuss-bounces at 1net.org [mailto:discuss-bounces at 1net.org] On Behalf Of McTim Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2014 7:07 AM To: Michel Gauthier Cc: 1Net List Subject: Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? On Sat, Mar 22, 2014 at 9:12 AM, Michel Gauthier wrote: At 02:45 22/03/2014, McTim wrote: If you are trying to make an argument by quoting rfc3869 and then quoting a page from the ISOC website I think you will have to do better than that, as one is related to research and the Comcast partnership is about IETF meetings and other activities. ISOC itself doesn't do research in the way that DNS-OARC or CAIDA or others do it. ISOC does surveys mainly and recently economic effects of IXPs, etc. If you would prefer public funding for IETF activities, then please state that, otherwise, one can't tell what your argument is all about. I only do my collection, analysis and reporting job after sorting real, tricky, naive and noisy inputs, on this and other equivalent lists or fora where real infuencing strategies are observable. So far, you are not even speculating that there is an 'influencing strategy", you are merely posting random factoids seemingly in support of the other MGs snide insinuations. To my knowledge DNS-OARC is a private club This has nothing to do with what I pointed out about them, that they do research of the kind that you suggested that the IETF does. of which the interest in users support is characterized by its https://www.dns-oarc.net/oarc/services/dnsentropy page which states: "On August 7, 2008, Dan Kaminsky will release additional details about these poisoning attacks. " another tangental red-herring. CAIDA membership is beyond financial access to FLOSS IUsers and corporations interested in their market, what is my focussed area. This doesn't mask the fact that they do research on 'future Internet issues" My question to you still stands. How would you like the IETF to be funded?? rgds, McTim -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: application/octet-stream Size: 6546 bytes Desc: not available URL: From ajp at glocom.ac.jp Tue Mar 18 08:47:17 2014 From: ajp at glocom.ac.jp (Adam Peake) Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 21:47:17 +0900 Subject: [bestbits] NETmundial registrations - deadlines Message-ID: Hi everyone. A reminder that a first round of invitations to attend NETmundial were sent a few days ago and there is a strict deadline for completing the registration form. The form is a unique URL for each applicant, I cannot send a link. It is still not possible to guarantee travel support at this time: if you requested travel support, please complete the registration before the deadline and wait for more instructions about support. Do not delay registration. Thanks, Adam From jefsey at jefsey.com Sat Mar 22 14:50:45 2014 From: jefsey at jefsey.com (Jefsey) Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 19:50:45 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? In-Reply-To: References: <012001cf4532$76fae830$64f0b890$@gmail.com> <20140321183053.GA38840@mx1.yitter.info> <014301cf4535$c767b700$56372500$@gmail.com> <20140321185735.GB38840@mx1.yitter.info> <532cd2b2.e7bcb40a.4a94.ffffed9fSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <532d8c7e.8259440a.5ba8.ffffe7ebSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <048d01cf45f0$320241b0$9606c510$@gmail.com> Message-ID: At 18:29 22/03/2014, Shatan, Gregory S. wrote: >your accusations regarding IETF, ISOC and the multistakeholder >organizations are quite outrageous and completely unsupported. Dear Gregory, I understand you dislke Micahel's diagnosis but this is exactly what one can decide to read in RFC 3869 and RFC 6852 (the amount is there qualified as a "huge bounty"). Anyway this has no importance. The truth in this case is that it is what the majority of the world thinks (right or not) and that it is the situation we have to cope with. You (men of speech) with your words, us (VGN Managers) with our acts and decisions. >I’m fairly confident that no matter what anyone does, says, or >shows, you will stick to this worldview. Since it would be a waste >of time to crawl into the ditch with you and argue these points, Yes. I know that as a lawyer this is your admirable job, to defend people. But in this case the task is not to defend anyone but to protect the whole multitude from hurting misunderstandings. Be sure, and this is not a good news, but it is the reality, that it will take time now before a foreign informant accepts to put his life at stake to inform the CIA or the NSA of something dangerous for you, or a country to trust US President's "evidences", or a non-US user to believe in the necessity of an ICANN single authoritative root file. >I will install award you the first, inaugural “Tin Foil Beret” >award. As you can tell from the name, I didn’t expect that you >would be the first winner, but as a resident of a quasi-Francophone >country, you’re more than qualified on style as well as substance. I am afraid this is ad personam and no more ad hominem. I am not sure of the reason why you allude to Francophones? jfc From Kivuva at transworldafrica.com Sat Mar 22 16:41:55 2014 From: Kivuva at transworldafrica.com (Mwendwa Kivuva) Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 23:41:55 +0300 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? In-Reply-To: <532DEC08.5010703@cs.tcd.ie> References: <012001cf4532$76fae830$64f0b890$@gmail.com> <20140321183053.GA38840@mx1.yitter.info> <014301cf4535$c767b700$56372500$@gmail.com> <20140321185735.GB38840@mx1.yitter.info> <532cd2b2.e7bcb40a.4a94.ffffed9fSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <532d8c7e.8259440a.5ba8.ffffe7ebSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <048d01cf45f0$320241b0$9606c510$@gmail.com> <532DEC08.5010703@cs.tcd.ie> Message-ID: Interesting debate. I hope the co-co can help moderate the debate. Several uncivil words have been thrown around targeting personalities, instead of tackling the issue at hand. Jefsey, how does RFC 3869 and RFC 6852 implicate Comcast and IETF? Regards On 22/03/2014, Stephen Farrell wrote: > > Hi Michael, > > I think you're very far off base there, if you're suggesting > that the IETF are somehow corrupted by this sponsorship. If > you're not suggesting that, then making that clear would be > helpful I think. > > The IETF's funding is pretty transparent I think. Between this > kind of new multi-year deal and meeting sponsorships, I think > it mostly does come from large IT/networking companies. (But a > substantial chunk comes from meeting participants via meeting > fees.) > > It seems to me that no large company has even been a saint. But > so what? That has afaik no influence on what the IETF does other > than individual people thank the sponsors now and then. > > Also, I don't recall the IETF ever proposing that our way of > handling rough consensus would, could or should be used in any > other context. Maybe some people have said or think that but > the IETF hasn't said any such thing that I recall. So you're > also conflating entirely separate things I think, and in an > unfair manner. > > Anyway, sponsoring the IETF doesn't get anyone any favourable > treatment that I've seen in the last nearly 19 years of being > involved with the IETF. You can believe me or not on that, and > either way you can audit all the mailing lists and (since the > datatracker tool was developed) all the IESG comments on > drafts as they become RFCs. I don't believe you will find even > a dubious correlation, but I'd be interested if you did. > > IMO you are just barking up the wrong tree. > > S. > > On 03/22/2014 05:00 PM, michael gurstein wrote: >> I'm not sure why it might be a "snide insinuation". >> >> >> >> It seems quite explicit that the IETF and ISOC, two of the major pillars >> of >> multistakeholderism which is so vehemently being promoted by the US >> Government and its followers in the tech and civil society communities as >> a >> replacement for democratic governance of the Internet, have long >> histories >> of accepting payments from Comcast a major US corporation which is widely >> understood as being among the least ethical and possibly most active in >> undermining US policy and regulatory processes in support of its own >> narrow >> economic self-interests (increasingly encompassing the Internet). >> >> >> >> http://www.infoworld.com/t/cringely/corruption-distortion-control-comcasts-r >> eal-life-house-of-cards-238904 >> >> >> >> InfoWorld Home / Notes from the Field >> / Corruption, >> distortion, control: Comcast's... >> >> Robert X. Cringely >> >> March 21, 2014 >> >> Corruption, distortion, control: Comcast's real-life 'House of Cards' >> >> The frenzy over the proposed Time Warner merger hides damning details of >> Comcast's power-hungry moves >> >> By Robert X. Cringely >> | InfoWorld >> >> >> Let's talk about Comcast, he said, hands trembling and the big vein in >> his >> forehead throbbing like a jungle drum. I hit the FCC's Net neutrality >> delusion >> > air-access-237815> in a previous post, where FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler >> interpreted the Supreme Court's Net neutering decision as giving the FCC >> even broader powers of control over the big Internet providers instead of >> the steel-toed kick to his crotch it really is. Complete double-talk >> seems >> to the standard for the Internet provider business these days. >> >> Comcast is a perfect example of a we-don't-care, double-talking, >> slavering, >> rampaging telecom/cable monstrosity that's using this consumer-crippling >> legislation to topple our competitive choices like Godzilla strolling >> through Tokyo. It's only going to get worse. Sure, there are tinfoil hats >> preaching ridiculous Comcast conspiracies, but maybe the wingnuts are on >> to >> something, even if they're starting out from pothead premises. >> >> The deal that's been in the news the most recently is Comcast's move to >> devour Time Warner Cable. You'd think Time Warner might not be superhappy >> about this deal, but its CEO, Rob Marcus, got up at the Deutsche Bank >> Media, >> Internet and Telecom Conference held earlier this month in the highly >> industrious locale of Palm Beach, Fla., and enthused that the $45 billion >> merger will put all of us in happy-happy land. >> >> Newsflash: It won't. Rather, get ready to be dumped into >> hugely-screwed-douche-broom land. The deal means that Comcast is set to >> service about two-thirds of the American population with both Internet >> and >> entertainment. How many of those folks are going to have an actual, >> practical choice? >> >> Comcast spreads it tentacles >> Tellingly Marcus has been Time Warner's CEO for only about two months, >> and >> recently leaked information on his compensation package shows that he >> stands >> to make robber baron money if the merger goes through -- to the tune of >> about $80 million >> . How >> could >> he possibly be biased? I know I'm a cynical old fart, but is it loony to >> suspect that Comgraft may have had a hand in getting this guy a key to >> the >> executive bathroom? If there was any justice, he'd have to write a >> resignation letter right this minute with ink made from rectal blood and >> salty tears. >> >> The fate of U.S. Internet pipes isn't all that's on the block. With Net >> laws >> castrated as they currently are, Comcast can also opt to bully content >> providers and control what you can and can't access on what amounts to >> its >> Internet. In a recent blog post, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings sounds like >> he's >> complaining about this trend -- never mind he's already validated it. >> Netflix complained of degraded throughput to its customers about a month >> ago, then paid Com-lie an exorbitant extortion fee, and presto! Its >> service >> quality was magically restored. Hastings and Comcast paint this as a big >> win >> for consumers, but they're actually saying we're as dumb as a bag of >> hammers. >> >> Doesn't seem very snide or insinuatory to me. >> >> >> >> And yes, most non-corrupted public policy processes are publicly funded >> with >> appropriate degrees of transparency and accountability and with clear >> boundaries between public interests and private interests guarded with >> varying degrees of ferocity by laws governing conflicts of interest and >> suborning of public officials and public policy processes. What isn't >> made >> clear in the overwhelming forces and banshee howling of support for MSism >> is >> that at its heart it is an attempt to foist the generally acknowledged as >> corrupted US telecom policy and regulatory system on the Internet and on >> the >> world. >> >> >> >> And a question for you and all the other multistakeholderists-is this >> what >> you want for Global Internet Governance? >> >> >> >> M >> >> >> >> From: discuss-bounces at 1net.org [mailto:discuss-bounces at 1net.org] On >> Behalf >> Of McTim >> Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2014 7:07 AM >> To: Michel Gauthier >> Cc: 1Net List >> Subject: Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> On Sat, Mar 22, 2014 at 9:12 AM, Michel Gauthier >> wrote: >> >> At 02:45 22/03/2014, McTim wrote: >> >> If you are trying to make an argument by quoting rfc3869 and then quoting >> a >> page from the ISOC website I think you will have to do better than that, >> as >> one is related to research and the Comcast partnership is about IETF >> meetings and other activities. ISOC itself doesn't do research in the >> way >> that DNS-OARC or CAIDA or others do it. ISOC does surveys mainly and >> recently economic effects of IXPs, etc. >> >> If you would prefer public funding for IETF activities, then please state >> that, otherwise, one can't tell what your argument is all about. >> >> >> >> I only do my collection, analysis and reporting job after sorting real, >> tricky, naive and noisy inputs, on this and other equivalent lists or >> fora >> where real infuencing strategies are observable. >> >> >> >> >> >> So far, you are not even speculating that there is an 'influencing >> strategy", you are merely posting random factoids seemingly in support of >> the other MGs snide insinuations. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> To my knowledge DNS-OARC is a private club >> >> >> >> >> >> This has nothing to do with what I pointed out about them, that they do >> research of the kind that you suggested that the IETF does. >> >> >> >> >> >> of which the interest in users support is characterized by its >> https://www.dns-oarc.net/oarc/services/dnsentropy page which states: "On >> August 7, 2008, Dan Kaminsky >> will >> release additional details about these poisoning attacks. " >> >> >> >> >> >> another tangental red-herring. >> >> >> >> >> CAIDA membership is beyond financial access to FLOSS IUsers and >> corporations >> interested in their market, what is my focussed area. >> >> >> >> >> >> This doesn't mask the fact that they do research on 'future Internet >> issues" >> >> >> >> My question to you still stands. >> >> >> >> >> >> How would you like the IETF to be funded?? >> >> >> >> rgds, >> >> >> >> McTim >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> discuss mailing list >> discuss at 1net.org >> http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss >> > > _______________________________________________ > discuss mailing list > discuss at 1net.org > http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss > -- ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva, Nairobi, Kenya twitter.com/lordmwesh From ca at cafonso.ca Sat Mar 22 21:17:05 2014 From: ca at cafonso.ca (Carlos A. Afonso) Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 22:17:05 -0300 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? In-Reply-To: References: <012001cf4532$76fae830$64f0b890$@gmail.com> <20140321183053.GA38840@mx1.yitter.info> <014301cf4535$c767b700$56372500$@gmail.com> <20140321185735.GB38840@mx1.yitter.info> <532cd2b2.e7bcb40a.4a94.ffffed9fSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <532d8c7e.8259440a.5ba8.ffffe7ebSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <048d01cf45f0$320241b0$9606c510$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <532E3611.101@cafonso.ca> Your curious reference to French culture remains to be explained. --c.a. On 03/22/2014 02:29 PM, Shatan, Gregory S. wrote: > You’re right – you’ve moved beyond snide insinuation to outright accusation that the IETF and ISOC are corrupt and that their processes and outcomes are influenced by Comcast’s sponsorships. And, while you’re at it, that the “US telecom policy and regulatory system” are “corrupted” and that multistakeholderism “at its heart” is “an attempt to foist” that policy and regulatory system “on the Internet and on the world.” > > I’ll let Comcast fend for itself, but your accusations regarding IETF, ISOC and the multistakeholder organizations are quite outrageous and completely unsupported. > > I’m fairly confident that no matter what anyone does, says, or shows, you will stick to this worldview. Since it would be a waste of time to crawl into the ditch with you and argue these points, I will install award you the first, inaugural “Tin Foil Beret” award. As you can tell from the name, I didn’t expect that you would be the first winner, but as a resident of a quasi-Francophone country, you’re more than qualified on style as well as substance. I’m sure you will wear it with pride, since you clearly think that the rest of us, lacking such haberdashery, are in the thrall of some massive mind-control exercise that you and a select few have managed to avoid. So, while I disagree with virtually everything you’ve said here and believe that it has absolutely no basis in fact, you’ve earned this award with the courage of your convictions. > > Greg Shatan > > From: discuss-bounces at 1net.org [mailto:discuss-bounces at 1net.org] On Behalf Of michael gurstein > Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2014 1:00 PM > To: 'McTim' > Cc: bestbits; '1Net List'; governance at lists.igcaucus.org > Subject: Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? > > I’m not sure why it might be a “snide insinuation”… > > It seems quite explicit that the IETF and ISOC, two of the major pillars of multistakeholderism which is so vehemently being promoted by the US Government and its followers in the tech and civil society communities as a replacement for democratic governance of the Internet, have long histories of accepting payments from Comcast a major US corporation which is widely understood as being among the least ethical and possibly most active in undermining US policy and regulatory processes in support of its own narrow economic self-interests (increasingly encompassing the Internet). > > http://www.infoworld.com/t/cringely/corruption-distortion-control-comcasts-real-life-house-of-cards-238904 > > InfoWorld Home / Notes from the Field / Corruption, distortion, control: Comcast's... > [Robert X. Cringely] > March 21, 2014 > Corruption, distortion, control: Comcast's real-life 'House of Cards' > The frenzy over the proposed Time Warner merger hides damning details of Comcast's power-hungry moves > By Robert X. Cringely | InfoWorld > Let's talk about Comcast, he said, hands trembling and the big vein in his forehead throbbing like a jungle drum. I hit the FCC's Net neutrality delusion in a previous post, where FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler interpreted the Supreme Court's Net neutering decision as giving the FCC even broader powers of control over the big Internet providers instead of the steel-toed kick to his crotch it really is. Complete double-talk seems to the standard for the Internet provider business these days. > Comcast is a perfect example of a we-don't-care, double-talking, slavering, rampaging telecom/cable monstrosity that's using this consumer-crippling legislation to topple our competitive choices like Godzilla strolling through Tokyo. It's only going to get worse. Sure, there are tinfoil hats preaching ridiculous Comcast conspiracies, but maybe the wingnuts are on to something, even if they're starting out from pothead premises. > The deal that's been in the news the most recently is Comcast's move to devour Time Warner Cable. You'd think Time Warner might not be superhappy about this deal, but its CEO, Rob Marcus, got up at the Deutsche Bank Media, Internet and Telecom Conference held earlier this month in the highly industrious locale of Palm Beach, Fla., and enthused that the $45 billion merger will put all of us in happy-happy land. > Newsflash: It won't. Rather, get ready to be dumped into hugely-screwed-douche-broom land. The deal means that Comcast is set to service about two-thirds of the American population with both Internet and entertainment. How many of those folks are going to have an actual, practical choice? > Comcast spreads it tentacles > Tellingly Marcus has been Time Warner's CEO for only about two months, and recently leaked information on his compensation package shows that he stands to make robber baron money if the merger goes through -- to the tune of about $80 million. How could he possibly be biased? I know I'm a cynical old fart, but is it loony to suspect that Comgraft may have had a hand in getting this guy a key to the executive bathroom? If there was any justice, he'd have to write a resignation letter right this minute with ink made from rectal blood and salty tears. > The fate of U.S. Internet pipes isn't all that's on the block. With Net laws castrated as they currently are, Comcast can also opt to bully content providers and control what you can and can't access on what amounts to its Internet. In a recent blog post, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings sounds like he's complaining about this trend -- never mind he's already validated it. Netflix complained of degraded throughput to its customers about a month ago, then paid Com-lie an exorbitant extortion fee, and presto! Its service quality was magically restored. Hastings and Comcast paint this as a big win for consumers, but they're actually saying we're as dumb as a bag of hammers… > Doesn’t seem very snide or insinuatory to me… > > And yes, most non-corrupted public policy processes are publicly funded with appropriate degrees of transparency and accountability and with clear boundaries between public interests and private interests guarded with varying degrees of ferocity by laws governing conflicts of interest and suborning of public officials and public policy processes. What isn’t made clear in the overwhelming forces and banshee howling of support for MSism is that at its heart it is an attempt to foist the generally acknowledged as corrupted US telecom policy and regulatory system on the Internet and on the world. > > And a question for you and all the other multistakeholderists—is this what you want for Global Internet Governance? > > M > > From: discuss-bounces at 1net.org [mailto:discuss-bounces at 1net.org] On Behalf Of McTim > Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2014 7:07 AM > To: Michel Gauthier > Cc: 1Net List > Subject: Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? > > > > On Sat, Mar 22, 2014 at 9:12 AM, Michel Gauthier > wrote: > At 02:45 22/03/2014, McTim wrote: > If you are trying to make an argument by quoting rfc3869 and then quoting a page from the ISOC website I think you will have to do better than that, as one is related to research and the Comcast partnership is about IETF meetings and other activities. ISOC itself doesn't do research in the way that DNS-OARC or CAIDA or others do it. ISOC does surveys mainly and recently economic effects of IXPs, etc. > > If you would prefer public funding for IETF activities, then please state that, otherwise, one can't tell what your argument is all about. > > I only do my collection, analysis and reporting job after sorting real, tricky, naive and noisy inputs, on this and other equivalent lists or fora where real infuencing strategies are observable. > > > So far, you are not even speculating that there is an 'influencing strategy", you are merely posting random factoids seemingly in support of the other MGs snide insinuations. > > > > To my knowledge DNS-OARC is a private club > > > This has nothing to do with what I pointed out about them, that they do research of the kind that you suggested that the IETF does. > > > of which the interest in users support is characterized by its https://www.dns-oarc.net/oarc/services/dnsentropy page which states: "On August 7, 2008, Dan Kaminsky will release additional details about these poisoning attacks. " > > > another tangental red-herring. > > > CAIDA membership is beyond financial access to FLOSS IUsers and corporations interested in their market, what is my focussed area. > > > This doesn't mask the fact that they do research on 'future Internet issues" > > My question to you still stands. > > > How would you like the IETF to be funded?? > > rgds, > > McTim > > > > > > * * * > > This E-mail, along with any attachments, is considered confidential and may well be legally privileged. If you have received it in error, you are on notice of its status. Please notify us immediately by reply e-mail and then delete this message from your system. Please do not copy it or use it for any purposes, or disclose its contents to any other person. Thank you for your cooperation. > > * * * > > To ensure compliance with Treasury Department regulations, we inform you that, unless otherwise indicated in writing, any U.S. Federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (1) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or applicable state and local provisions or (2) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any tax-related matters addressed herein. > > Disclaimer Version RS.US.20.10.00 > > > > _______________________________________________ > discuss mailing list > discuss at 1net.org > http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss > From jcurran at istaff.org Sat Mar 22 16:46:59 2014 From: jcurran at istaff.org (John Curran) Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2014 04:46:59 +0800 Subject: [bestbits] 1net Discuss Mailing List purpose (was: Re: [discuss] Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!?) In-Reply-To: References: <012001cf4532$76fae830$64f0b890$@gmail.com> <20140321183053.GA38840@mx1.yitter.info> <014301cf4535$c767b700$56372500$@gmail.com> <20140321185735.GB38840@mx1.yitter.info> <532cd2b2.e7bcb40a.4a94.ffffed9fSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <532d8c7e.8259440a.5ba8.ffffe7ebSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <048d01cf45f0$320241b0$9606c510$@gmail.com> <201403221852.s2MIqDpr013419@aserp1020.oracle.com> Message-ID: <62BC5002-12A4-4353-8F56-4AC7B2546EF6@istaff.org> On Mar 23, 2014, at 3:32 AM, Joseph Alhadeff wrote: > Ok, I will join the chorus asking to be removed from this thread. Is this initiated by some action of mine or the list administrator? Joseph - Thanks for your note! It is helpful from time to time to step back and consider these mailing list threads with respect to our goals. I am not a list administrator, but am quite willing to remind the participants (at least on the 1net list) what we are here to accomplish... 1net Mailing List Participants - The 1net discussion forum is intended to be a neutral, focused initiative working towards actionable collaborative solutions. Ergo, if anyone has a specific problem statement and proposed solution with regard to any issues raised by the cosponsorship announcement, feel free post the problem statement and your proposed solution to the 1net list for collaborative discussion. If that is not your intention, I would personally suggest that you find another mailing list for your general ruminations on the topic. I would note that there is already a remarkable amount of work to be done this year on existing problem statements and as such we will need to keep quite focused if we actually wish to succeed in developing collaborative actionable solutions. Thanks! /John Disclaimer: My views alone. From gurstein at gmail.com Sat Mar 22 17:47:50 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:47:50 -0700 Subject: [bestbits] RE: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? In-Reply-To: <532DEC08.5010703@cs.tcd.ie> References: <012001cf4532$76fae830$64f0b890$@gmail.com> <20140321183053.GA38840@mx1.yitter.info> <014301cf4535$c767b700$56372500$@gmail.com> <20140321185735.GB38840@mx1.yitter.info> <532cd2b2.e7bcb40a.4a94.ffffed9fSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <532d8c7e.8259440a.5ba8.ffffe7ebSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <048d01cf45f0$320241b0$9606c510$@gmail.com> <532DEC08.5010703@cs.tcd.ie> Message-ID: <057201cf4618$602d61a0$208824e0$@gmail.com> Tks Stephen, Please note that my comments were meant for the larger audience of those with an interest in how the Internet is and is to be managed/governed i.e. all of those impacted by the Internet which by now includes most everyone in the world. It was only incidentally meant for those, including those most active on this (and other IG related) lists, for whom no argument that presents critical analyses or questions concerning this drive towards MSism apparently can be countenanced. What I said was: It seems quite explicit that the IETF and ISOC, two of the major pillars of multistakeholderism which is so vehemently being promoted by the US Government and its followers in the tech and civil society communities as a replacement for democratic governance of the Internet, have long histories of accepting payments from Comcast a major US corporation which is widely understood as being among the least ethical and possibly most active in undermining US policy and regulatory processes in support of its own narrow economic self-interests (increasingly encompassing the Internet). So far no one has questioned the truth of this statement. "We" and here I mean all of those in the larger audience I'm referring to above are being asked to accept this state of affairs unquestioningly. Earlier I noted some highly questionable experiences with the MS process as currently being operationalized through 1Net and elsewhere. I received no useful explanation or response. Additionally I introduced a series of questions with respect to how various "risks" associated with MSism might be handled given the significance that is being given to MSism as the preferred mechanism for Internet (and other?) governance arrangements. I received no explanation or response. In this current interaction I noted what appeared to be at least the potential for a significant conflict of interest in two of the primary current mechanisms for MSism which as we know is being explicitly described as a post-democratic governance mechanism for the Internet. You have seen the quality and content of the responses to my questions and comments in this area. I have made no accusations either explicit or implicit concerning the IETF or ISOC. I don't know enough about either of them to have any opinion in these matters. However, those who do know rather more about the role that Comcast is playing in the current communications policy and regulatory activities in the US are raising warning flags to such an extent that one has little alternative but to question the role that Comcast may be playing in the quite parallel global Internet "governance" mechanisms as per the IETF and ISOC. If nothing else there is the appearance of a conflict of interest and given the other risks already pointed to with respect to MSism and Global Internet Governance one surely must add this to the list i.e. is it safe to proceed to a governance framework where there are no evident or explicit boundaries between private sector activities and interests and the public interest. Of course, as I believe is the case for many on this list, there is no belief that the Internet should be managed or governed in the public interest (rather than as a concatenation of, or "consensus" among private interests) then this question has no meaning. However, one hopes that if nothing else, the NetMundial meeting will clearly affirm that the overwhelming priority of the peoples of the world is to have the Internet governed in the public interest and with the principles for Internet governance being based on this fundamental value. Best, Mike -----Original Message----- From: Stephen Farrell [mailto:stephen.farrell at cs.tcd.ie] Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2014 1:01 PM To: michael gurstein; 'McTim' Cc: bestbits; '1Net List'; governance at lists.igcaucus.org Subject: Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? Hi Michael, I think you're very far off base there, if you're suggesting that the IETF are somehow corrupted by this sponsorship. If you're not suggesting that, then making that clear would be helpful I think. The IETF's funding is pretty transparent I think. Between this kind of new multi-year deal and meeting sponsorships, I think it mostly does come from large IT/networking companies. (But a substantial chunk comes from meeting participants via meeting fees.) It seems to me that no large company has even been a saint. But so what? That has afaik no influence on what the IETF does other than individual people thank the sponsors now and then. Also, I don't recall the IETF ever proposing that our way of handling rough consensus would, could or should be used in any other context. Maybe some people have said or think that but the IETF hasn't said any such thing that I recall. So you're also conflating entirely separate things I think, and in an unfair manner. Anyway, sponsoring the IETF doesn't get anyone any favourable treatment that I've seen in the last nearly 19 years of being involved with the IETF. You can believe me or not on that, and either way you can audit all the mailing lists and (since the datatracker tool was developed) all the IESG comments on drafts as they become RFCs. I don't believe you will find even a dubious correlation, but I'd be interested if you did. IMO you are just barking up the wrong tree. S. On 03/22/2014 05:00 PM, michael gurstein wrote: > I'm not sure why it might be a "snide insinuation". > > > > It seems quite explicit that the IETF and ISOC, two of the major > pillars of multistakeholderism which is so vehemently being promoted > by the US Government and its followers in the tech and civil society > communities as a replacement for democratic governance of the > Internet, have long histories of accepting payments from Comcast a > major US corporation which is widely understood as being among the > least ethical and possibly most active in undermining US policy and > regulatory processes in support of its own narrow economic self-interests (increasingly encompassing the Internet). > > > > http://www.infoworld.com/t/cringely/corruption-distortion-control-comc > asts-r > eal-life-house-of-cards-238904 > > > > InfoWorld Home < http://www.infoworld.com/> / Notes from the Field > < http://www.infoworld.com/blogs/robert-x.-cringely> / Corruption, > distortion, control: Comcast's... > > < http://www.infoworld.com/blogs/robert-x-cringely> Robert X. Cringely > > March 21, 2014 > > Corruption, distortion, control: Comcast's real-life 'House of Cards' > > The frenzy over the proposed Time Warner merger hides damning details > of Comcast's power-hungry moves > > By Robert X. Cringely > < http://www.infoworld.com/author-bios/robert-x-cringely> | InfoWorld > < http://www.infoworld.com/> > > Let's talk about Comcast, he said, hands trembling and the big vein in > his forehead throbbing like a jungle drum. I hit the FCC's Net > neutrality delusion > ight-f > air-access-237815> in a previous post, where FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler > interpreted the Supreme Court's Net neutering decision as giving the > FCC even broader powers of control over the big Internet providers > instead of the steel-toed kick to his crotch it really is. Complete > double-talk seems to the standard for the Internet provider business these days. > > Comcast is a perfect example of a we-don't-care, double-talking, > slavering, rampaging telecom/cable monstrosity that's using this > consumer-crippling legislation to topple our competitive choices like > Godzilla strolling through Tokyo. It's only going to get worse. Sure, > there are tinfoil hats preaching ridiculous Comcast conspiracies, but > maybe the wingnuts are on to something, even if they're starting out from pothead premises. > > The deal that's been in the news the most recently is Comcast's move > to devour Time Warner Cable. You'd think Time Warner might not be > superhappy about this deal, but its CEO, Rob Marcus, got up at the > Deutsche Bank Media, Internet and Telecom Conference held earlier this > month in the highly industrious locale of Palm Beach, Fla., and > enthused that the $45 billion merger will put all of us in happy-happy land. > > Newsflash: It won't. Rather, get ready to be dumped into > hugely-screwed-douche-broom land. The deal means that Comcast is set > to service about two-thirds of the American population with both > Internet and entertainment. How many of those folks are going to have > an actual, practical choice? > > Comcast spreads it tentacles > Tellingly Marcus has been Time Warner's CEO for only about two months, > and recently leaked information on his compensation package shows that > he stands to make robber baron money if the merger goes through -- to > the tune of about $80 million > < http://bgr.com/2014/03/20/comcast-twc-merger-news-ceo-marcus/> . How > could he possibly be biased? I know I'm a cynical old fart, but is it > loony to suspect that Comgraft may have had a hand in getting this guy > a key to the executive bathroom? If there was any justice, he'd have > to write a resignation letter right this minute with ink made from > rectal blood and salty tears. > > The fate of U.S. Internet pipes isn't all that's on the block. With > Net laws castrated as they currently are, Comcast can also opt to > bully content providers and control what you can and can't access on > what amounts to its Internet. In a recent blog post, Netflix CEO Reed > Hastings sounds like he's complaining about this trend -- never mind he's already validated it. > Netflix complained of degraded throughput to its customers about a > month ago, then paid Com-lie an exorbitant extortion fee, and presto! > Its service quality was magically restored. Hastings and Comcast paint > this as a big win for consumers, but they're actually saying we're as > dumb as a bag of hammers. > > Doesn't seem very snide or insinuatory to me. > > > > And yes, most non-corrupted public policy processes are publicly > funded with appropriate degrees of transparency and accountability and > with clear boundaries between public interests and private interests > guarded with varying degrees of ferocity by laws governing conflicts > of interest and suborning of public officials and public policy > processes. What isn't made clear in the overwhelming forces and > banshee howling of support for MSism is that at its heart it is an > attempt to foist the generally acknowledged as corrupted US telecom > policy and regulatory system on the Internet and on the world. > > > > And a question for you and all the other multistakeholderists-is this > what you want for Global Internet Governance? > > > > M > > > > From: discuss-bounces at 1net.org [ mailto:discuss-bounces at 1net.org] On > Behalf Of McTim > Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2014 7:07 AM > To: Michel Gauthier > Cc: 1Net List > Subject: Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? > > > > > > > > On Sat, Mar 22, 2014 at 9:12 AM, Michel Gauthier < mg at telepresse.com> wrote: > > At 02:45 22/03/2014, McTim wrote: > > If you are trying to make an argument by quoting rfc3869 and then > quoting a page from the ISOC website I think you will have to do > better than that, as one is related to research and the Comcast > partnership is about IETF meetings and other activities. ISOC itself > doesn't do research in the way that DNS-OARC or CAIDA or others do it. > ISOC does surveys mainly and recently economic effects of IXPs, etc. > > If you would prefer public funding for IETF activities, then please > state that, otherwise, one can't tell what your argument is all about. > > > > I only do my collection, analysis and reporting job after sorting > real, tricky, naive and noisy inputs, on this and other equivalent > lists or fora where real infuencing strategies are observable. > > > > > > So far, you are not even speculating that there is an 'influencing > strategy", you are merely posting random factoids seemingly in support > of the other MGs snide insinuations. > > > > > > > To my knowledge DNS-OARC is a private club > > > > > > This has nothing to do with what I pointed out about them, that they > do research of the kind that you suggested that the IETF does. > > > > > > of which the interest in users support is characterized by its > https://www.dns-oarc.net/oarc/services/dnsentropy page which states: > "On August 7, 2008, Dan Kaminsky > < http://www.ioactive.com/kaminsky.html> will release additional details about these poisoning attacks. " > > > > > > another tangental red-herring. > > > > > CAIDA membership is beyond financial access to FLOSS IUsers and > corporations interested in their market, what is my focussed area. > > > > > > This doesn't mask the fact that they do research on 'future Internet issues" > > > > My question to you still stands. > > > > > > How would you like the IETF to be funded?? > > > > rgds, > > > > McTim > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > discuss mailing list > discuss at 1net.org > http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kichango at gmail.com Sat Mar 22 16:25:44 2014 From: kichango at gmail.com (Mawaki Chango) Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 20:25:44 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] DIGILEXIS statement to NTIA proposed transition of IANA functions Message-ID: FYI, with apologies for cross-posting (for those who will receive this more than once), thanks. Mawaki ------ On March 14, the U.S. Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced intent to end its oversight role with the IANA functions and called for a transition process to begin toward the full administration of those key Internet domain name functions by the global multi-stakeholder community. DIGILEXIS welcomes this decision and appreciates the opportunity for these functions and the stewardship of the Internet domain name system (DNS) to further evolve toward a governance model that is truly global, inclusive of all stakeholders and widely accepted as a result. DIGILEXIS understands the multi-stakeholder policy making model as a _sectoral_ policy making mechanism that is in alignment with democratic values by being inclusive of all people concerned, bottom-up and consensus driven. Because, as per the implementation of the model we have seen so far, it mostly organizes the participants into groups referred to as "stakeholders," it is even more critical to make sure the views and concerns of citizens and Internet users around the world, who are not organized into professional or particular interest groups, are taken into consideration. DIGILEXIS supports the four principles put forward by NTIA to guide ICANN and the global Internet community in the formulation of a transition proposal and wants to stress the need for a unified, stable, secure and trust-worthy Internet, while still in keeping with openness and innovation as we have known. It is also critical that its development retains the need, and constantly improves on its ability, to help preserve and further Civil Liberties for all Internet users around the globe. From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Mon Mar 24 11:25:12 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina Rossini) Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2014 11:25:12 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] New Report: Current Export Controls for Surveillance Tools are Outdated and Ineffective Message-ID: sorry for cross-posting, but this might be of the interest of folks in these lists *For Immediate Release* Monday, March 24, 2014 *PRESS RELEASE* *New Report: Current Export Controls for Surveillance Tools are Outdated and Ineffective* *WASHINGTON, DC *-- Authoritarian governments have abused surveillance technologies for political control, the suppression of the media and civil society, and other violations of fundamental human rights. Today, New America's Open Technology Institute - in collaboration with Privacy International in the United Kingdom, and Digitale Gesellschaft in Germany - released a new report that examines export controls as a policy solution to this problem. Government regulation on the export of surveillance technology could help prevent such technology from being acquired by end users with dubious human rights records. The report provides an in-depth policy and technological analysis of export control regimes in Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and finds that existing export control regulations have become out-dated and have not kept up with new technology. "It is clear that export controls need to be updated. The new controls on surveillance technology agreed on among 41 states through the Wassenaar Arrangement in December are an opportunity to do that," said Tim Maurer, Research Fellow with New America's Open Technology Institute. "The U.S. government has a unique chance when it implements the changes to set a positive example for other countries." Several governments have made efforts to impose export controls on surveillance technologies, but a coordinated multilateral approach will be necessary for export controls to be effective. That is why this report was developed as a joint project among three organizations in three different countries with a significant share of this market. "This report highlights not only existing efforts to ensure this thriving industry is made accountable, but also offers a blueprint forward," said Edin Omanovic, Research Officer at Privacy International and co-author of the report. The report is available online and was written by *Tim Maurer**,** Edin Omanovic, and Ben Wagner. *The authors are available for interviews and background briefings. To read the full report, *Uncontrolled Global Surveillance: Updating Export Controls to the Digital Age*, please click here . *Expert Contact* Tim Maurer Research Fellow, Open Technology Institute, New America (202) 596-3612 maurer at newamerica.org *Media Contact* Jenny Mallamo Media Relations Associate, New America (202) 596-3368 mallamo at newamerica.org ### *About New America* New America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy institute that invests in new thinkers and new ideas to address the next generation of challenges facing the United States. To learn more, please visit us online at www.newamerica.org or follow us on Twitter @NewAmerica . *About the Open Technology Institute* The Open Technology Institute (OTI) is a global pioneer in developing innovative communications technologies and policies to enable communities to fully participate in the global economy, and freely shape their democracies. To learn more, please visit us online at http://oti.newamerica.org and on Twitter @OTI . -- -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lmcknigh at syr.edu Sat Mar 22 20:20:54 2014 From: lmcknigh at syr.edu (Lee W McKnight) Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2014 00:20:54 +0000 Subject: [bestbits] RE: [governance] RE: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? In-Reply-To: <05be01cf4625$09172600$1b457200$@gmail.com> References: <012001cf4532$76fae830$64f0b890$@gmail.com> <20140321183053.GA38840@mx1.yitter.info> <014301cf4535$c767b700$56372500$@gmail.com> <20140321185735.GB38840@mx1.yitter.info> <532cd2b2.e7bcb40a.4a94.ffffed9fSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <532d8c7e.8259440a.5ba8.ffffe7ebSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <048d01cf45f0$320241b0$9606c510$@gmail.com> <532DEC08.5010703@cs.tcd.ie> <057201cf4618$602d61a0$208824e0$@gmail.com> <532E0E64.2040007@cs.tcd.ie>,<05be01cf4625$09172600$1b457200$@gmail.com> Message-ID: Ok Michael, I will take the bait; I see no problem from a global Internet governance view. It is normal/acceptable practice for technical standards bodies to - meet. Someone/some firms helping cover those costs is also - 100% normal. One might surmise a firm agreeing to contribute to the costs - has an interest in the topics under discussion - or at least a couple of them. And this is news? Somehow controversial? Finally,and I hate being put in the position to have to defend the - dominant (~30% market share) cable provider in the US, but it's not Comcast's fault that the FCC implemented policies without the requisite legislative authority, according to the courts not once but multiple times. One might blame the FCC, or Congress, but the winning side in repeated court actions usually is seen as having been the aggrieved party. Which in this case, cough, more often than not was Comcast. As Stephen noted, noone is suggesting Comcast are angels; but the leap from Comcast attempting to garner (perhaps) some goodwill by kicking into cover some of the costs to cries of foul play is a pretty long leap. Or maybe, as a major broadband provider, Comcast is just acting like any number of other companies with interest in standards processes and supporting the process. In sum, we may as well be 'shocked' to learn firms pay big $$ to hang at W3C: http://www.w3.org/Consortium/fees-2013; or...well hopefully you get the point. If you want an open and interoperable network of networks, and/or a world wide web, there's costs involved which do not come out of anyone's taxes or from foundations. Lots and lots of volunteers contribute too; but they also appreciate having a 'free' coffee during a break I suspect. Lee PS: Actual tactics to try to cook/bias IETF output/RFC's...that would be a whole other thing. And given the extreme degree of transparency always practiced by IETF, a much higher degree of difficulty. Not that it has not been tried, but buying folks a coffee or whatever, would not be the way to go about that. ; ) ________________________________________ From: governance-request at lists.igcaucus.org on behalf of michael gurstein Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2014 7:18 PM To: 'Stephen Farrell'; 'McTim' Cc: 'bestbits'; '1Net List'; governance at lists.igcaucus.org Subject: [governance] RE: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? To be clear Stephen, As meetings among professionals to discuss professional/technical matters, it makes (or should make) no difference to anyone who provides the funding. However, as bodies which are being identified as core mechanisms in the global governance of the Internet (and as central to the desired global stampede towards MSism) it matters a very great deal. Is it really acceptable for the process towards the establishment of global standards for sugar intake to be "(co)sponsored" by Coca Cola for example; or for that matter for Coca Cola to have a member on the Board of one of the key technical bodies making recommendations towards those standards? M -----Original Message----- From: Stephen Farrell [mailto:stephen.farrell at cs.tcd.ie] Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2014 3:28 PM To: michael gurstein; 'McTim' Cc: 'bestbits'; '1Net List'; governance at lists.igcaucus.org Subject: Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? Hi Michael, I don't agree that there's an inherent conflict of interest involved in the IETF being sponsored by large companies that operate in IT/networking. That's in large part due to how the IETF is setup and managed openly and transparently etc. Again, if someone wants to go check it out, I think all the sponsorships are public and I know all the mailing lists are there and all the IETF nomcom memberships and selections etc etc. To the best of my knowledge you will not find any such conflict is real. And while I have no axe to grind for Comcast, I did in the past work for another large company in that space and I really would be surprised if one of those is that much worse or better than another. I think they all have their good and less good aspects, as do many large organisations, such as governments. I also think your broader point about MSism not being in your view the right model does not require you to try to argue that the IETF's funding creates such a conflict. Especially since the IETF doesn't have such a conflict. You would do far better to argue that the IETF setup is pretty good but doesn't generalise as claimed I figure. Oh, and if you have suggestions as to how the IETF could get other sources of funding, I know for sure that the ISOC folks who chase that money to support the IETF and RFC editor would just love to hear from you:-) S. On 03/22/2014 09:47 PM, michael gurstein wrote: > Tks Stephen, > > > > Please note that my comments were meant for the larger audience of > those with an interest in how the Internet is and is to be managed/governed i.e. > all of those impacted by the Internet which by now includes most > everyone in the world. It was only incidentally meant for those, > including those most active on this (and other IG related) lists, for > whom no argument that presents critical analyses or questions > concerning this drive towards MSism apparently can be countenanced. > > > > What I said was: > > > > It seems quite explicit that the IETF and ISOC, two of the major > pillars of multistakeholderism which is so vehemently being promoted > by the US Government and its followers in the tech and civil society > communities as a replacement for democratic governance of the > Internet, have long histories of accepting payments from Comcast a > major US corporation which is widely understood as being among the > least ethical and possibly most active in undermining US policy and > regulatory processes in support of its own narrow economic self-interests (increasingly encompassing the Internet). > > > > So far no one has questioned the truth of this statement. > > > > "We" and here I mean all of those in the larger audience I'm referring > to above are being asked to accept this state of affairs unquestioningly. > > > > Earlier I noted some highly questionable experiences with the MS > process as currently being operationalized through 1Net and elsewhere. > I received no useful explanation or response. > > > > Additionally I introduced a series of questions with respect to how > various "risks" associated with MSism might be handled given the > significance that is being given to MSism as the preferred mechanism > for Internet (and other?) governance arrangements. I received no explanation or response. > > > > In this current interaction I noted what appeared to be at least the > potential for a significant conflict of interest in two of the primary > current mechanisms for MSism which as we know is being explicitly > described as a post-democratic governance mechanism for the Internet. > You have seen the quality and content of the responses to my questions > and comments in this area. > > > > I have made no accusations either explicit or implicit concerning the > IETF or ISOC. I don't know enough about either of them to have any > opinion in these matters. > > > > However, those who do know rather more about the role that Comcast is > playing in the current communications policy and regulatory activities > in the US are raising warning flags to such an extent that one has > little alternative but to question the role that Comcast may be > playing in the quite parallel global Internet "governance" mechanisms > as per the IETF and ISOC. If nothing else there is the appearance of a > conflict of interest and given the other risks already pointed to with > respect to MSism and Global Internet Governance one surely must add > this to the list i.e. is it safe to proceed to a governance framework > where there are no evident or explicit boundaries between private > sector activities and interests and the public interest. > > > > Of course, as I believe is the case for many on this list, there is no > belief that the Internet should be managed or governed in the public > interest (rather than as a concatenation of, or "consensus" among > private > interests) then this question has no meaning. However, one hopes that > if nothing else, the NetMundial meeting will clearly affirm that the > overwhelming priority of the peoples of the world is to have the > Internet governed in the public interest and with the principles for > Internet governance being based on this fundamental value. > > > > Best, > > > > Mike > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Stephen Farrell [mailto:stephen.farrell at cs.tcd.ie] > Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2014 1:01 PM > To: michael gurstein; 'McTim' > Cc: bestbits; '1Net List'; governance at lists.igcaucus.org > Subject: Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? > > > > > > Hi Michael, > > > > I think you're very far off base there, if you're suggesting that the > IETF are somehow corrupted by this sponsorship. If you're not > suggesting that, then making that clear would be helpful I think. > > > > The IETF's funding is pretty transparent I think. Between this kind of > new multi-year deal and meeting sponsorships, I think it mostly does > come from large IT/networking companies. (But a substantial chunk > comes from meeting participants via meeting > > fees.) > > > > It seems to me that no large company has even been a saint. But so what? > That has afaik no influence on what the IETF does other than > individual people thank the sponsors now and then. > > > > Also, I don't recall the IETF ever proposing that our way of handling > rough consensus would, could or should be used in any other context. > Maybe some people have said or think that but the IETF hasn't said any > such thing that I recall. So you're also conflating entirely separate > things I think, and in an unfair manner. > > > > Anyway, sponsoring the IETF doesn't get anyone any favourable > treatment that I've seen in the last nearly 19 years of being involved > with the IETF. You can believe me or not on that, and either way you > can audit all the mailing lists and (since the datatracker tool was > developed) all the IESG comments on drafts as they become RFCs. I > don't believe you will find even a dubious correlation, but I'd be interested if you did. > > > > IMO you are just barking up the wrong tree. > > > > S. > > > > On 03/22/2014 05:00 PM, michael gurstein wrote: > >> I'm not sure why it might be a "snide insinuation". > >> > >> > >> > >> It seems quite explicit that the IETF and ISOC, two of the major > >> pillars of multistakeholderism which is so vehemently being promoted > >> by the US Government and its followers in the tech and civil society > >> communities as a replacement for democratic governance of the > >> Internet, have long histories of accepting payments from Comcast a > >> major US corporation which is widely understood as being among the > >> least ethical and possibly most active in undermining US policy and > >> regulatory processes in support of its own narrow economic >> self-interests > (increasingly encompassing the Internet). > >> > >> > >> > >> >> > mc> > http://www.infoworld.com/t/cringely/corruption-distortion-control-comc > >> asts-r > >> eal-life-house-of-cards-238904 > >> > >> > >> > >> InfoWorld Home < >> http://www.infoworld.com/> / > Notes from the Field > >> < > http://www.infoworld.com/blogs/robert-x.-cringely> / Corruption, > >> distortion, control: Comcast's... > >> > >> < > http://www.infoworld.com/blogs/robert-x-cringely> Robert X. Cringely > >> > >> March 21, 2014 > >> > >> Corruption, distortion, control: Comcast's real-life 'House of Cards' > >> > >> The frenzy over the proposed Time Warner merger hides damning details > >> of Comcast's power-hungry moves > >> > >> By Robert X. Cringely > >> < > http://www.infoworld.com/author-bios/robert-x-cringely> | InfoWorld > >> < http://www.infoworld.com/> > >> > >> Let's talk about Comcast, he said, hands trembling and the big vein >> in > >> his forehead throbbing like a jungle drum. I hit the FCC's Net > >> neutrality delusion > >> > f > >> ight-f > >> air-access-237815> in a previous post, where FCC Chairman Tom >> air-access-237815> Wheeler > >> interpreted the Supreme Court's Net neutering decision as giving the > >> FCC even broader powers of control over the big Internet providers > >> instead of the steel-toed kick to his crotch it really is. Complete > >> double-talk seems to the standard for the Internet provider business >> these > days. > >> > >> Comcast is a perfect example of a we-don't-care, double-talking, > >> slavering, rampaging telecom/cable monstrosity that's using this > >> consumer-crippling legislation to topple our competitive choices like > >> Godzilla strolling through Tokyo. It's only going to get worse. Sure, > >> there are tinfoil hats preaching ridiculous Comcast conspiracies, but > >> maybe the wingnuts are on to something, even if they're starting out >> from > pothead premises. > >> > >> The deal that's been in the news the most recently is Comcast's move > >> to devour Time Warner Cable. You'd think Time Warner might not be > >> superhappy about this deal, but its CEO, Rob Marcus, got up at the > >> Deutsche Bank Media, Internet and Telecom Conference held earlier >> this > >> month in the highly industrious locale of Palm Beach, Fla., and > >> enthused that the $45 billion merger will put all of us in >> happy-happy > land. > >> > >> Newsflash: It won't. Rather, get ready to be dumped into > >> hugely-screwed-douche-broom land. The deal means that Comcast is set > >> to service about two-thirds of the American population with both > >> Internet and entertainment. How many of those folks are going to have > >> an actual, practical choice? > >> > >> Comcast spreads it tentacles > >> Tellingly Marcus has been Time Warner's CEO for only about two >> months, > >> and recently leaked information on his compensation package shows >> that > >> he stands to make robber baron money if the merger goes through -- to > >> the tune of about $80 million > >> < > http://bgr.com/2014/03/20/comcast-twc-merger-news-ceo-marcus/> . How > >> could he possibly be biased? I know I'm a cynical old fart, but is it > >> loony to suspect that Comgraft may have had a hand in getting this >> guy > >> a key to the executive bathroom? If there was any justice, he'd have > >> to write a resignation letter right this minute with ink made from > >> rectal blood and salty tears. > >> > >> The fate of U.S. Internet pipes isn't all that's on the block. With > >> Net laws castrated as they currently are, Comcast can also opt to > >> bully content providers and control what you can and can't access on > >> what amounts to its Internet. In a recent blog post, Netflix CEO Reed > >> Hastings sounds like he's complaining about this trend -- never mind >> he's > already validated it. > >> Netflix complained of degraded throughput to its customers about a > >> month ago, then paid Com-lie an exorbitant extortion fee, and presto! > >> Its service quality was magically restored. Hastings and Comcast >> paint > >> this as a big win for consumers, but they're actually saying we're as > >> dumb as a bag of hammers. > >> > >> Doesn't seem very snide or insinuatory to me. > >> > >> > >> > >> And yes, most non-corrupted public policy processes are publicly > >> funded with appropriate degrees of transparency and accountability >> and > >> with clear boundaries between public interests and private interests > >> guarded with varying degrees of ferocity by laws governing conflicts > >> of interest and suborning of public officials and public policy > >> processes. What isn't made clear in the overwhelming forces and > >> banshee howling of support for MSism is that at its heart it is an > >> attempt to foist the generally acknowledged as corrupted US telecom > >> policy and regulatory system on the Internet and on the world. > >> > >> > >> > >> And a question for you and all the other multistakeholderists-is this > >> what you want for Global Internet Governance? > >> > >> > >> > >> M > >> > >> > >> > >> From: discuss-bounces at 1net.org [ > mailto:discuss-bounces at 1net.org] On > >> Behalf Of McTim > >> Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2014 7:07 AM > >> To: Michel Gauthier > >> Cc: 1Net List > >> Subject: Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> On Sat, Mar 22, 2014 at 9:12 AM, Michel Gauthier < > mg at telepresse.com> wrote: > >> > >> At 02:45 22/03/2014, McTim wrote: > >> > >> If you are trying to make an argument by quoting rfc3869 and then > >> quoting a page from the ISOC website I think you will have to do > >> better than that, as one is related to research and the Comcast > >> partnership is about IETF meetings and other activities. ISOC itself > >> doesn't do research in the way that DNS-OARC or CAIDA or others do it. > >> ISOC does surveys mainly and recently economic effects of IXPs, etc. > >> > >> If you would prefer public funding for IETF activities, then please > >> state that, otherwise, one can't tell what your argument is all about. > >> > >> > >> > >> I only do my collection, analysis and reporting job after sorting > >> real, tricky, naive and noisy inputs, on this and other equivalent > >> lists or fora where real infuencing strategies are observable. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> So far, you are not even speculating that there is an 'influencing > >> strategy", you are merely posting random factoids seemingly in >> support > >> of the other MGs snide insinuations. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> To my knowledge DNS-OARC is a private club > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> This has nothing to do with what I pointed out about them, that they > >> do research of the kind that you suggested that the IETF does. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> of which the interest in users support is characterized by its > >> > https://www.dns-oarc.net/oarc/services/dnsentropy page which states: > >> "On August 7, 2008, Dan Kaminsky > >> < > http://www.ioactive.com/kaminsky.html> will release additional > details about these poisoning attacks. " > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> another tangental red-herring. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> CAIDA membership is beyond financial access to FLOSS IUsers and > >> corporations interested in their market, what is my focussed area. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> This doesn't mask the fact that they do research on 'future Internet > issues" > >> > >> > >> > >> My question to you still stands. > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> How would you like the IETF to be funded?? > >> > >> > >> > >> rgds, > >> > >> > >> > >> McTim > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ > >> discuss mailing list > >> discuss at 1net.org > >> > http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss > >> > > From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Tue Mar 25 22:04:31 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina Rossini) Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 22:04:31 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Re: [discuss] Brazil's Marco Civil approved by Chamber of Deputies!! In-Reply-To: <4F385379-1D51-42D2-91E8-E0490B596E3F@mail.utoronto.ca> References: <53321C3D.9040802@cafonso.ca> <4F385379-1D51-42D2-91E8-E0490B596E3F@mail.utoronto.ca> Message-ID: this is a collective victory!!!! after many many years of work of a lot of people in different levels of action - from guerrilla to lobbying to academia to advocacy ! articles of interest 3 - principles: I - freedom of expression, II - privacy protection, III - protection of personal data, IV - NN, V - preservation of security, stability and functionality of the network, VI - liability of actors, VII - preservation of the participate nature of the internet, VII - freedoms for business models - which telcos have already commented on in a press release saying this is freedom of consumer choice and is related to different prices for speeds and services) 7 and 8 - good articles regulating and protecting freedom of expression and privacy 9 - NN 11 - they took out mandate to nationalize databases and now the article say when the Brazilian law is applicable (jurisdiction was always the main issue here) 13 - log retention for 1 year by the access provider 15 - log retention for 6 months by the application provider 18, 19 and 20 - take down of content with judicial order and ISP liability just after that 21 - ISP subsidiary liability related to publication of private content with nudity (a result of a outcry related to the of a couple of teenagers in Brazil ) good news - all with due process but I think that, due to the political situation in Brazil, this is the best we could have asked for On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 9:47 PM, Stephanie Perrin < stephanie.perrin at mail.utoronto.ca> wrote: > Congratulations, this is excellent news! Please send the link to the final > text! > Stephanie Perrin > On Mar 25, 2014, at 8:15 PM, Carlos A. Afonso wrote: > > > [sorry for eventual duplicates, you will understand why] > > > > Dear people, very good news from Brazil: after a nearly four-year > battle, "Marco Civil da Internet" (Internet's Civil Rights Framework) was > approved by the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. > > > > Our dear ex-minister of Culture and staunch militant for the cause, > Gilberto Gil, just posted on twitter: > > > > "Vencemos! O #MarcoCivil foi aprovado!! Por uma rede > neutralizada,liberdade de expressão e proteção à privacidade!" > > > > "We won! #MarcoCivil has been approved!! For net neutrality, freedom of > expression and protection of privacy!" > > > > I am happy! > > > > fraternal regards > > > > --c.a. > > > > _______________________________________________ > > discuss mailing list > > discuss at 1net.org > > http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss > > > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t > > -- *Carolina Rossini* *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* Open Technology Institute *New America Foundation* // http://carolinarossini.net/ + 1 6176979389 *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* skype: carolrossini @carolinarossini -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From deborah at accessnow.org Tue Mar 25 18:15:27 2014 From: deborah at accessnow.org (Deborah Brown) Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 18:15:27 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Call for IGF workshop proposals Message-ID: Dear all, In case of interest I wanted to share the following information from the IGF website: http://www.intgovforum.org/cms/ *NEW*] *Call for Workshop Proposals* The IGF Secretariat is issuing a call for workshop proposals for the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum. Interested workshop organizers are kindly asked to submit workshop proposals through the online form that will be available on the IGF website from *25 March 2014. *The *deadline* for submission is *15 April 2014*. Please note that there can be *no extension of the deadline*. Before submission, workshop proponents are kindly asked to read the Workshop submission guidelines . A template of the online proposal form is available*.* *[NEW] **The **workshop submission form** is now online.* [*NEW*] The proposed overarching theme for the IGF 2014 Annual meeting is: "*Connecting Continents for Enhanced Multistakeholder Internet Governance*" with the following proposed subthemes . All the best, Deborah -- Deborah Brown Senior Policy Analyst Access | accessnow.org @deblebrown PGP 0x5EB4727D -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au Tue Mar 18 09:53:28 2014 From: Jeremy at Malcolm.id.au (Jeremy Malcolm) Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 21:53:28 +0800 Subject: [bestbits] Input on IGF 2014 format and main sessions In-Reply-To: <53273DCE.6070205@apc.org> References: <53273DCE.6070205@apc.org> Message-ID: On 18 Mar 2014, at 2:24 am, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > Should there be 'main sessions' or focus sessions? How many? One a day or only on the first day and the last day? > > What should the format be of these sessions? > > Should there be feeder workshops? Or Round Tables on a theme? > > Should the MAG make an open call for policy questions around which these focus/main sessions can be built? > > Looking at the main and sub themes for this year's IGF, on which topics do you feel main sessions/focus sessions are needed? A single-paragraph answer based on http://bestbits.net/igf-2014-submission: yes there should be at least one main session (or focus session, the nomenclature doesn't matter), but we should try using it to reach rough consensus on high-level outputs/recommendations on policy questions. They should be held in slots without any parallel workshops, to encourage the broadest cross-section of the IGF community to attend them - preferably towards the end of the IGF, following preparatory feeder workshops and/or roundtables. A more deliberative working method is required for such a main session, for example as described at http://bestbits.net/igf-opinions/. It would make sense to dedicate the main session to discussing implementation of the recommendations from NETmundial 2014. -- Jeremy Malcolm PhD LLB (Hons) B Com Internet lawyer, ICT policy advocate, geek host -t NAPTR 5.9.8.5.2.8.2.2.1.0.6.e164.org|awk -F! '{print $3}' WARNING: This email has not been encrypted. You are strongly recommended to enable encryption at your end. For instructions, see http://jere.my/l/pgp. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 204 bytes Desc: Message signed with OpenPGP using GPGMail URL: From joana at varonferraz.com Tue Mar 25 20:58:04 2014 From: joana at varonferraz.com (Joana Varon) Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 21:58:04 -0300 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [discuss] Brazil's Marco Civil approved by Chamber of Deputies!! In-Reply-To: <53322428.4150b40a.71e0.249dSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> References: <53321C3D.9040802@cafonso.ca> <53322428.4150b40a.71e0.249dSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> Message-ID: Dear all, The final version of the text is here: http://www.camara.gov.br/proposicoesWeb/prop_mostrarintegra?codteor=1238705&filename=Tramitacao-PL+2126/2011 Sorry its not in English and in a pdf file 0.o But I'm sure people will be working in the translations around here. It's not perfect, but it is a great achievement and we will keep fighting as we still have to approve it in the Senate. Not sure if NetMundial comes first or before... probably first. The level of coordination of representatives from civil society to reach this was really amazing! it's a happy day for the Brazilians concerned with internet rights indeed! all the best joana On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 9:44 PM, Michel Gauthier wrote: > At 01:15 26/03/2014, Carlos A. Afonso wrote: > >> [sorry for eventual duplicates, you will understand why] >> Dear people, very good news from Brazil: after a nearly four-year battle, >> "Marco Civil da Internet" (Internet's Civil Rights Framework) was approved >> by the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. >> >> Our dear ex-minister of Culture and staunch militant for the cause, >> Gilberto Gil, just posted on twitter: >> >> "Vencemos! O #MarcoCivil foi aprovado!! Por uma rede >> neutralizada,liberdade de expressão e proteção à privacidade!" >> "We won! #MarcoCivil has been approved!! For net neutrality, freedom of >> expression and protection of privacy!" >> > > Bravo! > B R I L L I A N T as in BRAZIL !!! > > Would you have an URL for the final text, if possible in English. > I would suggest that this text be added to the press information on > netmubdial.br to show the world what the IG is about when enacted by a > people. > > I have a question for the Brazilian winners! (who also host the Sao Paulo > meeting): according to your new law, what is an Internet stakeholder? What > the place of ICANN? > > M G > > _______________________________________________ > discuss mailing list > discuss at 1net.org > http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss > -- -- Joana Varon Ferraz @joana_varon PGP 0x016B8E73 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mariliamaciel at gmail.com Tue Mar 25 22:39:29 2014 From: mariliamaciel at gmail.com (Marilia Maciel) Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 23:39:29 -0300 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [discuss] [governance] Brazil's Marco Civil approved by Chamber of Deputies!! In-Reply-To: <7FD7823E-D6DE-4760-BA48-6C1647B4A5CD@frobbit.se> References: <7FD7823E-D6DE-4760-BA48-6C1647B4A5CD@frobbit.se> Message-ID: Dear all, I share with you a short text in English with an evaluation of the approval of Marco Civil and some highlights of how important topics were tackled by the bill. The text was written by Luiz Moncau and Pedro Mizukami from CTS/FGV: http://infojustice.org/archives/32527 Best Marília On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 11:17 PM, Patrik Fältström wrote: > Congratulations! > > Patrik Fältström > > On 26 mar 2014, at 08:22, Marilia Maciel wrote: > > Great victory of every individual and organization that participated in > this process since the public consultation! And we share this victory with > all our friends around the world who supported this fight, who wrote texts, > analysis and who gave us space to talk about Marco Civil and keep it on the > agenda all though the years. THANK YOU! > > This was a huge a very important chapter of the battle. Now comes the > Senate! :) > > Marília > > > On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 9:15 PM, Carlos A. Afonso wrote: > >> [sorry for eventual duplicates, you will understand why] >> >> Dear people, very good news from Brazil: after a nearly four-year battle, >> "Marco Civil da Internet" (Internet's Civil Rights Framework) was approved >> by the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. >> >> Our dear ex-minister of Culture and staunch militant for the cause, >> Gilberto Gil, just posted on twitter: >> >> "Vencemos! O #MarcoCivil foi aprovado!! Por uma rede >> neutralizada,liberdade de expressão e proteção à privacidade!" >> >> "We won! #MarcoCivil has been approved!! For net neutrality, freedom of >> expression and protection of privacy!" >> >> I am happy! >> >> fraternal regards >> >> --c.a. >> >> >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> To be removed from the list, visit: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >> >> For all other list information and functions, see: >> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >> >> Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t >> >> > > > -- > *Marília Maciel* > Pesquisadora Gestora > Centro de Tecnologia e Sociedade - FGV Direito Rio > > Researcher and Coordinator > Center for Technology & Society - FGV Law School > http://direitorio.fgv.br/cts > > DiploFoundation associate > www.diplomacy.edu > > > > _______________________________________________ > discuss mailing list > discuss at 1net.org > http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss > > > -- *Marília Maciel* Pesquisadora Gestora Centro de Tecnologia e Sociedade - FGV Direito Rio Researcher and Coordinator Center for Technology & Society - FGV Law School http://direitorio.fgv.br/cts DiploFoundation associate www.diplomacy.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ian.peter at ianpeter.com Tue Mar 25 19:46:04 2014 From: ian.peter at ianpeter.com (Ian Peter) Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 10:46:04 +1100 Subject: [bestbits] Fw: straw poll results Message-ID: Hi Everyone, I have been waiting for a gap from other issues to publish the results of the recent poll as regards the future of the civil society co ordination group (cscg). But having come to the conclusion that any clear air from other issues is probably months away, I think people should be aware of the results now and give any feedback to the current group on next steps. I am attaching a more detailed summary of the results. But a quick summary is 30 respondents Most respondents favour a cscg that includes individuals as well as organisations Strong feeling the group should have some sort of charter (however minimal) Good support for 5 new members being added Many more findings included in the document. Some personal comments: There is clearly a desire for this group to be expanded if it continues to exist. The only ongoing role I can see for this group currently is to try to co ordinate civil society appointments to MAG.(unless other needs for civil society representation occur). Whether this justifies all the effort of a continuing organisation is a relevant question. Many of the questions I think should await formation of a new expanded group, eg a. Evolution of a charter b. Whether or not to rotate existing members and if so when (see survey findings on this) Anyway, here it is for comments and discussion. Ian Peter -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: cscg straw poll.docx Type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document Size: 118349 bytes Desc: not available URL: From jefsey at jefsey.com Tue Mar 25 13:03:52 2014 From: jefsey at jefsey.com (Jefsey) Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 18:03:52 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? In-Reply-To: <5330F31D.4090406@cs.tcd.ie> References: <012001cf4532$76fae830$64f0b890$@gmail.com> <20140321183053.GA38840@mx1.yitter.info> <014301cf4535$c767b700$56372500$@gmail.com> <20140321185735.GB38840@mx1.yitter.info> <532cd2b2.e7bcb40a.4a94.ffffed9fSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <532d8c7e.8259440a.5ba8.ffffe7ebSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <048d01cf45f0$320241b0$9606c510$@gmail.com> <532DEC08.5010703@cs.tcd.ie> <057201cf4618$602d61a0$208824e0$@gmail.com> <532E0E64.2040007@cs.tcd.ie> <05be01cf4625$09172600$1b457200$@gmail.com> <21296.51077.915144.99973@world.std.com> <5330E941.2010001@itforchange.net> <5330F31D.4090406@cs.tcd.ie> Message-ID: At 04:08 25/03/2014, Stephen Farrell wrote: >I reckon those trying to do that in this thread are doing a >pretty bad job of it by continually demonstrating ignorance of >issues that are critical to this particular discussion. Stephen, excuse me: I admire your candor, but how can you be so naive? Please read carefully the first part of RFC 3869 and ask yourself why IAB took the time to write it. There are several ways to tamper with standards. In research and in details, i.e. in financing architectonics and in implementation aspects. This means in fooling the IAB before the charter, and in the labs of those who introduce RFCs. Are you in that case? I would be quite interested if someone could explain me why, in terms of business return and Congress legislation evolution Comsat and its likes would be interested in internet innovation. jfc From andrea at digitalpolicy.it Tue Mar 25 10:08:35 2014 From: andrea at digitalpolicy.it (Andrea Glorioso) Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 15:08:35 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] NETmundial / European Commission to facilitate a conference call for information sharing Message-ID: [ *Apologies if you receive this message multiple times. Please share with your contacts.* ] In view of the forthcoming Global Multistakeholder Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance (NETMundial, http://www.netmundial.br/) which will take place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on 23-24 April 2014, the European Commission is organising an open conference call, with the purpose of sharing information among stakeholders. The online meeting will be facilitated by the European Commission, but we do expect stakeholders to actively contribute to the conversation. We kindly ask those who plan to attend the conference call and would like to share their views with other participants, possibly on the basis of their / their organisation's contribution to NETmundial, to *let us know in advance*so that we can allocate a fair number of slots for interventions. Details of the conference call (phone numbers, PIN, and Adobe Connect data) are below: - Date: 8 April 201 - Time: 11:00 - 13:00 (CET) - Telephone number: 02 808 1363 (if calling from Belgium - for a list of international number, please see the attached PDF document) - Conference room number: 1327846 - Adobe Connect URL: http://ec-wacs.adobeconnect.com/ag4682/ (please note that you do *NOT* need to use Adobe Connect to participate in the teleconference - it's offered as an option) As background information, you might want to go through the contributions which have been submitted to NETmundial. They are available at http://content.netmundial.br/docs/contribs. The European Commission has submitted two contributions, which are available at http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/internet-governance-principles/176and http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/roadmap-for-the-further-e volution-of-the-internet-governance-ecosystem/177. Thanks for your kind attention. We hope you will join us for this discussion. Best regards, -- Andrea Glorioso (Mr) European Commission - DG Communication Networks, Content and Technology Unit D1 (International relations) + Task Force on Internet Policy Development Avenue de Beaulieu 25 (4/64) / B-1049 / Brussels / Belgium T: +32-2-29-97682 M: +32-460-797-682 E: Andrea.Glorioso at ec.europa.eu Twitter: @andreaglorioso Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrea.glorioso LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=1749288&trk=tab_pro The views expressed above are purely those of the writer and may not in any circumstances be regarded as stating an official position of the European Commission. Les opinions exprimées ci-dessus n'engagent que leur auteur et ne sauraient en aucun cas être assimilées à une position officielle de la Commission européenne. Be transparent - Sign up to the European Commission's Register of Interest Representatives http://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regrin -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 20120920_EU-InternationalAccessNumbers-EN.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 115457 bytes Desc: not available URL: From gurstein at gmail.com Mon Mar 24 21:13:57 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2014 18:13:57 -0700 Subject: [bestbits] RE: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? In-Reply-To: <21296.51077.915144.99973@world.std.com> References: <012001cf4532$76fae830$64f0b890$@gmail.com> <20140321183053.GA38840@mx1.yitter.info> <014301cf4535$c767b700$56372500$@gmail.com> <20140321185735.GB38840@mx1.yitter.info> <532cd2b2.e7bcb40a.4a94.ffffed9fSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <532d8c7e.8259440a.5ba8.ffffe7ebSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <048d01cf45f0$320241b0$9606c510$@gmail.com> <532DEC08.5010703@cs.tcd.ie> <057201cf4618$602d61a0$208824e0$@gmail.com> <532E0E64.2040007@cs.tcd.ie> <05be01cf4625$09172600$1b457200$@gmail.com> <21296.51077.915144.99973@world.std.com> Message-ID: <0f5201cf47c7$80e096a0$82a1c3e0$@gmail.com> Barry, (As an aside a wise person once told me that drawing analogies online is generally a bad idea for all sorts of reasons, so let me withdraw my attempt in this instance... :( And let me say that I agree with this/your point "Merely having a pecuniary interest in a result is not a /prima facie/ justification for disenfranchisement", however, I don't believe my comments were suggesting this although I can understand that possible interpretation. However, could I add that having a role in matters where significant public interests are under review is sufficient to require the implementation of procedures and processes to ensure that the public's interests are protected including from the possibility of misdirection, suborning, capture, and similar actual or potential derelictions. M -----Original Message----- From: Barry Shein [mailto:bzs at world.std.com] Sent: Monday, March 24, 2014 5:02 PM To: michael gurstein Cc: 'Stephen Farrell'; 'McTim'; 'bestbits'; '1Net List'; governance at lists.igcaucus.org Subject: Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? On March 22, 2014 at 16:18 gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) wrote: > > Is it really acceptable for the process towards the establishment of global > standards for sugar intake to be "(co)sponsored" by Coca Cola for example; > or for that matter for Coca Cola to have a member on the Board of one of the > key technical bodies making recommendations towards those standards? I'm not sure this analogy is apt, as much as I sympathize with the sentiment. This is more like Coke having membership on the board of a group which is setting standards for grocery shelving. It probably exists. Surely Coke would have a legitimate interest just like anyone else involved (supermarkets, delivery companies, etc.) And that interest may well be self-interested but there's no obvious reason why it should not be involved or why this would be bad. Now, if Coke used that position to favor their bottle sizes over that of competitors that might be a problem. But that would be the end result of a lopsided or corrupted process rather than a mistake letting them into the room. But the purpose of the IETF et al is not to stand between the public and the manufacturers. Most of the IETF's work is to standardize practices among manufacturers (providers, etc.) in the belief that this produces a result in the public's interest by improving interoperability. I don't believe I am splitting a hair: I think there is a time and place for consumer advocacy groups, and industry advocacy groups, and standards development bodies. Their interests often overlap in significant ways but much of their effort is disjoint. Put simply: Merely having a pecuniary interest in a result is not a /prima facie/ justification for disenfranchisement. -- -Barry Shein The World | bzs at TheWorld.com | http://www.TheWorld.com Purveyors to the Trade | Voice: 800-THE-WRLD | Dial-Up: US, PR, Canada Software Tool & Die | Public Access Internet | SINCE 1989 *oo* From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Mon Mar 24 14:06:56 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina) Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2014 14:06:56 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] =?UTF-8?Q?Putting_the_Public=E2=80=99s_Interest_Back_I?= =?UTF-8?Q?nto_the_=E2=80=9CPublic_Interest=E2=80=9D?= Message-ID: Putting the Public’s Interest Back Into the “Public Interest” [David Levine] What’s your definition of the “public interest” when it comes to law and lawmaking? Is it a unitary concept, where we consider the good of society as a whole? If so, you might think that the public’s interest is in a “public interest” which encompasses “cross-cutting issues” that transcend narrow considerations and allows debate about and among competing interests. On the other hand, do you view the “public interest” more narrowly? If so, you might view the public’s interest as served by placing “public interest” in a box separate from other interests, like environmental, labor or intellectual property policy. From that perspective, the “public interest” is just another consideration in the panoply of considerations that make up society. Click here for more. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mariliamaciel at gmail.com Tue Mar 25 20:22:28 2014 From: mariliamaciel at gmail.com (Marilia Maciel) Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 21:22:28 -0300 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Brazil's Marco Civil approved by Chamber of Deputies!! Message-ID: Great victory of every individual and organization that participated in this process since the public consultation! And we share this victory with all our friends around the world who supported this fight, who wrote texts, analysis and who gave us space to talk about Marco Civil and keep it on the agenda all though the years. THANK YOU! This was a huge a very important chapter of the battle. Now comes the Senate! :) Marília On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 9:15 PM, Carlos A. Afonso wrote: > [sorry for eventual duplicates, you will understand why] > > Dear people, very good news from Brazil: after a nearly four-year battle, > "Marco Civil da Internet" (Internet's Civil Rights Framework) was approved > by the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. > > Our dear ex-minister of Culture and staunch militant for the cause, > Gilberto Gil, just posted on twitter: > > "Vencemos! O #MarcoCivil foi aprovado!! Por uma rede > neutralizada,liberdade de expressão e proteção à privacidade!" > > "We won! #MarcoCivil has been approved!! For net neutrality, freedom of > expression and protection of privacy!" > > I am happy! > > fraternal regards > > --c.a. > > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t > > -- *Marília Maciel* Pesquisadora Gestora Centro de Tecnologia e Sociedade - FGV Direito Rio Researcher and Coordinator Center for Technology & Society - FGV Law School http://direitorio.fgv.br/cts DiploFoundation associate www.diplomacy.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jefsey at jefsey.com Tue Mar 25 16:08:43 2014 From: jefsey at jefsey.com (JFC Morfin) Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 21:08:43 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? In-Reply-To: <21297.49476.228592.617960@world.std.com> References: <012001cf4532$76fae830$64f0b890$@gmail.com> <20140321183053.GA38840@mx1.yitter.info> <014301cf4535$c767b700$56372500$@gmail.com> <20140321185735.GB38840@mx1.yitter.info> <532cd2b2.e7bcb40a.4a94.ffffed9fSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <532d8c7e.8259440a.5ba8.ffffe7ebSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <048d01cf45f0$320241b0$9606c510$@gmail.com> <532DEC08.5010703@cs.tcd.ie> <057201cf4618$602d61a0$208824e0$@gmail.com> <532E0E64.2040007@cs.tcd.ie> <05be01cf4625$09172600$1b457200$@gmail.com> <21296.51077.915144.99973@world.std.com> <5330E941.2010001@itforchange.net> <21297.49476.228592.617960@world.std.com> Message-ID: At 18:47 25/03/2014, Barry Shein wrote: >They come back declaring a decision: That's STILL three against two! Very good and full of metaphoric lessons: - MSism implies "votes" among happy fews and not everyone on an equal footing. - NTIA has plaid until now the role of God. Once it is played by ICANN .... jfc From pablo at pablocerdeira.me Wed Mar 26 00:23:48 2014 From: pablo at pablocerdeira.me (Pablo Cerdeira) Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 01:23:48 -0300 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [discuss] [governance] Brazil's Marco Civil approved by Chamber of Deputies!! In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <507bcceb-8333-457f-bf24-3da638164615@email.android.com> http://infojustice.org/archives/32527 Brazilian Chamber of Deputies Approves Marco Civil Bill Posted by Pedro Mizukami on March 25, 2014 Add comments Marco Civil Aprovado na Câmara Luiz Fernando Moncau (@lfmoncau) Pedro Nicoletti Mizukami (@p_mizukami) Center for Technology and Society @ FGV Law School, Rio At around 9pm today, March 25th 2014, the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies finally voted in favor of approving the Marco Civil bill. The text, which can be read here (in Portuguese), will now be sent to the Federal Senate for deliberation, and later returned to the Chamber of Deputies before it can be sanctioned by President Dilma Rousseff. Marco Civil, which is the first major Brazilian law on Internet rights—including provisions on net neutrality and intermediary liability—was modified several times by rapporteur Dep. Alessandro Molon (Worker’s Party, Rio de Janeiro), so that consensus could be reached in the Chamber of Deputies. It was a complicated process. The approved text is substantially different than the version sent to Congress in 2011, which was the output of a broad public consultation process that took place between October 2009 and May 2010 (more information can be found in the 2011 CGI.Br Internet Policy Report). Battles over intermediary liability, data retention, and net neutrality stalled bill’s progress in the Chamber of Deputies for more than two years. Voting was delayed successive times even after the bill was put under urgency regime in September 2013—a status that has the effect of blocking most other proposals until voting is carried out. Considering how terrible some of the proposed amendments to Marco Civil were, the approved text is largely positive. It is definitely not the ideal version of law. But it is a much better one than expected, and probably the best possible outcome given the existing political limitations. Here is a short summary on some of the most important items: Data retention Brazil was dangerously close to establishing a period of 5 years of mandatory data retention before discussions on Marco Civil began. Unfortunately, the bill still has provisions to that effect, but the period is much shorter for ISPs providing connectivity services (1 year). The bad news is that mainly due to aggressive pressure by the Federal Police, other Internet services—initially excluded from Marco Civil—are also subject to data retention (6 months). Net neutrality Brazil has taken a major step forward in preserving net neutrality, following the example set by countries such as Chile and the Netherlands. Marco Civil establishes the general principle that net neutrality should be guaranteed, and further regulated by a presidential decree, with inputs from both the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br) and ANATEL, the national telecommunications agency. Since telcos have a strong presence at ANATEL, the solution adopted by Marco Civil is arguably the best outcome, even if there is the danger of ineffective regulation further down the road. Intermediary liability One of the main provisions of Marco Civil deals with the difficult subject of intermediary liability due to content uploaded by third parties. The system in Marco Civil establishes that intermediaries can only be held liable if they do not comply with a court order explicitly demanding content to be removed. This regime, however, is not applicable to copyright infringement, which will be dealt with by the forthcoming copyright reform bill. Privacy After the Snowden leaks, a small number of privacy provisions were included in Marco Civil (the main privacy and data protection bill under development has yet to be sent to Congress). The main proposal was extremely controversial: forcing Internet companies to host data pertaining to Brazilian nations within Brazilian territory. Broadly rejected by civil society, engineers, companies, and several legislators, the proposal was dropped by the government so that voting could take place. Rights and principles Marco Civil establishes a strong, forward-looking assertion of rights and principles for Internet regulation in Brazil: freedom of expression, interoperability, the use of open standards and technology, protection of personal data, accessibility, multistakeholder governance, open government data. These provisions usually receive less exposure in media than the ones pertaining to more controversial topics. When taken as a whole, however, they express a strong commitment to an Internet that is an open, collaborative, democratic, space for individual and collective expression, as well as for access to knowledge, culture and information. Marco Civil will now be discussed in the Federal Senate. No matter the outcome there, it will be returned to the Chamber of Deputies, which has the final word on the text. All in all, this is a major victory for civil society and Internet activists. It was long, difficult process, and there were many occasions when it seemed almost inevitable that the entire bill would be rejected. Now, there is even the possibility that Marco Civil will passed into law before the NETmundial meeting. luiz dot moncau at fgv dot br pedro dot mizukami at fgv dot br On March 25, 2014 9:22:28 PM GMT-03:00, Marilia Maciel wrote: >Great victory of every individual and organization that participated in >this process since the public consultation! And we share this victory >with >all our friends around the world who supported this fight, who wrote >texts, >analysis and who gave us space to talk about Marco Civil and keep it on >the >agenda all though the years. THANK YOU! > >This was a huge a very important chapter of the battle. Now comes the >Senate! :) > >Marília > > >On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 9:15 PM, Carlos A. Afonso >wrote: > >> [sorry for eventual duplicates, you will understand why] >> >> Dear people, very good news from Brazil: after a nearly four-year >battle, >> "Marco Civil da Internet" (Internet's Civil Rights Framework) was >approved >> by the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. >> >> Our dear ex-minister of Culture and staunch militant for the cause, >> Gilberto Gil, just posted on twitter: >> >> "Vencemos! O #MarcoCivil foi aprovado!! Por uma rede >> neutralizada,liberdade de expressão e proteção à privacidade!" >> >> "We won! #MarcoCivil has been approved!! For net neutrality, freedom >of >> expression and protection of privacy!" >> >> I am happy! >> >> fraternal regards >> >> --c.a. >> >> >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> To be removed from the list, visit: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >> >> For all other list information and functions, see: >> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >> >> Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t >> >> > > >-- >*Marília Maciel* >Pesquisadora Gestora >Centro de Tecnologia e Sociedade - FGV Direito Rio > >Researcher and Coordinator >Center for Technology & Society - FGV Law School >http://direitorio.fgv.br/cts > >DiploFoundation associate >www.diplomacy.edu > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > >_______________________________________________ >discuss mailing list >discuss at 1net.org >http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss -- Sent from my Android device with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ajp at glocom.ac.jp Tue Mar 18 06:08:53 2014 From: ajp at glocom.ac.jp (Adam Peake) Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 19:08:53 +0900 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Input on IGF 2014 format and main sessions In-Reply-To: <53273DCE.6070205@apc.org> References: <53273DCE.6070205@apc.org> Message-ID: <4F021523-9213-4CA0-AC9C-34BD7262B177@glocom.ac.jp> Hi Anriette, Thanks for asking. To be honest, I'm not very clear what the difference is between main sessions and focus sessions -- what was the actual difference in Bali? Perhaps the Secretariat and MAG needs to do a better job of bringing the organizers of the various workshops into planning of the focus sessions. That didn't work well last, mainly I think because we hadn't thought through a new process (and to be honest I don't think 'feeder workshops' have ever worked and are unlikely to, a conference schedule can't permit.) I think we saw in Bali that topics on current interests work well. Development, tried yet again, and not satisfactory yet again (if going to do such sessions it must include a majority of developing country participants, and contributors who are development experts rather than well meaning policy geeks.) Did ypu find the policy questions helpful? Were they addressed in the sessions and did they add anything? I'm not sure they were widely used in most sessions. They seemed to be used as a bit of an after thought. Of the themes, suggest it would be helpful to leave a large block of time (50%) to address NETmundial outcomes and what we are learning from other processes. By mid-summer we'll have an idea of what's going into ITU plenipot, WSIS etc. React to what's happening rather than more on the same old themes. What does the overarching theme mean? Too many vague sub-themes, they provide little or no guidance to those submitting workshop proposals, and no help to MAG when assessing what's relevant/not. Adam On Mar 18, 2014, at 3:24 AM, Anriette Esterhuysen wrote: > Dear all > > There is a MAG meeting tomorrow and I would like your input on session formats. > > Should there be 'main sessions' or focus sessions? How many? One a day or only on the first day and the last day? > > What should the format be of these sessions? > > Should there be feeder workshops? Or Round Tables on a theme? > > Should the MAG make an open call for policy questions around which these focus/main sessions can be built? > > Looking at the main and sub themes for this year's IGF, on which topics do you feel main sessions/focus sessions are needed? > > > Proposed Overaching Theme and Sub Themes for IGF 2014 > > > Proposed Overarching Theme: Connecting Continents for Enhanced Multistakeholder Internet Governance > > Proposed Sub Themes: > > • Policies enabling Access > • Content Creation, Dissemination and Use > • Internet as engine for growth & development > • IGF & The Future of the Internet ecosystem > • Enhancing Digital Trust > • Internet and Human Rights > • Critical Internet Resources > • Emerging Issues > > > Thanks > > Anriette > -- > ------------------------------------------------------ > anriette esterhuysen > anriette at apc.org > > executive director, association for progressive communications > > www.apc.org > > po box 29755, melville 2109 > south africa > tel/fax +27 11 726 1692 > > ____________________________________________________________ > You received this message as a subscriber on the list: > governance at lists.igcaucus.org > To be removed from the list, visit: > http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing > > For all other list information and functions, see: > http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance > To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: > http://www.igcaucus.org/ > > Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t From pouzin at well.com Tue Mar 25 22:13:03 2014 From: pouzin at well.com (Louis Pouzin (well)) Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 03:13:03 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Fwd: [discuss] Brazil's Marco Civil approved by Chamber of Deputies!! In-Reply-To: References: <53321C3D.9040802@cafonso.ca> <20140326004941.83D5192285@hermes.tiwa.net.br> <5332267E.6040404@cafonso.ca> Message-ID: From: Louis Pouzin Date: Wed, Mar 26, 2014 at 3:06 AM Subject: [discuss] Brazil's Marco Civil approved by Chamber of Deputies!! To: "Carlos A. Afonso" Cc: Michel Gauthier , NCSG List < ncsg-discuss at listserv.syr.edu>, IGC Caucus , Best Bits List , 1Net List Caipirinha everybody, prost . Louis - - - On Wed, Mar 26, 2014 at 1:59 AM, Carlos A. Afonso wrote: > Here is the link to the approved text (in PDF, in Portuguese): > > http://www.camara.gov.br/proposicoesWeb/prop_mostrarintegra?codteor= > 1238705&filename=Tramitacao-PL+2126/2011 > > I am sure there will be an English version soon -- maybe as soon as it > passes Senate (where it should be approved without modification) and our > prez sanctions it. > > fraternal regards > > --c.a. > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From stefania.milan at utoronto.ca Wed Mar 26 06:04:12 2014 From: stefania.milan at utoronto.ca (Stefania Milan) Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 11:04:12 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [discuss] Brazil's Marco Civil approved by Chamber of Deputies!! In-Reply-To: References: <53321C3D.9040802@cafonso.ca> <53322428.4150b40a.71e0.249dSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> Message-ID: <74FADC92-3497-4F4C-98B3-65AEB4EDAEC1@utoronto.ca> Great news! Congratulations to all of you who worked hard to make this happen. On a related but not so cheerful note, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the process that led to Marco Civil started back in 2007 with an agreement between the then-minister of culture Gilberto Gill and the Italian vice-minister Vimercati, who committed to work together towards an internet bill of right [1]. The Italian promise was, however, soon forgotten. It would be interesting to assess why this happened (it goes well beyond the historical problems we have with keeping any government in place for a decent amount of time), but at a first sight it is safe to say that the engagement of a coordinated civil society sector made the difference. So kudos to the Brasilian civil society! We all have a lot of learn! Pls share and advice :-) Stefania [1] a few random sources from google: http://www.wired.com/beyond_the_beyond/2007/11/the-italo-brazi/; http://www.theinformationdaily.com/2007/11/23/italy-brazil-agreement-for-an-internet-bill-of-rights On 2014-03-26, at 1:58 AM, Joana Varon wrote: > Dear all, > > The final version of the text is here: > http://www.camara.gov.br/proposicoesWeb/prop_mostrarintegra?codteor=1238705&filename=Tramitacao-PL+2126/2011 > Sorry its not in English and in a pdf file 0.o But I'm sure people will be working in the translations around here. > > It's not perfect, but it is a great achievement and we will keep fighting as we still have to approve it in the Senate. > Not sure if NetMundial comes first or before... probably first. > > The level of coordination of representatives from civil society to reach this was really amazing! it's a happy day for the Brazilians concerned with internet rights indeed! > > all the best > > joana > > > > On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 9:44 PM, Michel Gauthier wrote: > At 01:15 26/03/2014, Carlos A. Afonso wrote: > [sorry for eventual duplicates, you will understand why] > Dear people, very good news from Brazil: after a nearly four-year battle, "Marco Civil da Internet" (Internet's Civil Rights Framework) was approved by the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. > > Our dear ex-minister of Culture and staunch militant for the cause, Gilberto Gil, just posted on twitter: > > "Vencemos! O #MarcoCivil foi aprovado!! Por uma rede neutralizada,liberdade de expressão e proteção à privacidade!" > "We won! #MarcoCivil has been approved!! For net neutrality, freedom of expression and protection of privacy!" > > Bravo! > B R I L L I A N T as in BRAZIL !!! > > Would you have an URL for the final text, if possible in English. > I would suggest that this text be added to the press information on netmubdial.br to show the world what the IG is about when enacted by a people. > > I have a question for the Brazilian winners! (who also host the Sao Paulo meeting): according to your new law, what is an Internet stakeholder? What the place of ICANN? > > M G > > _______________________________________________ > discuss mailing list > discuss at 1net.org > http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss > > > > -- > -- > > Joana Varon Ferraz > @joana_varon > PGP 0x016B8E73 > > > _______________________________________________ > discuss mailing list > discuss at 1net.org > http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 496 bytes Desc: Message signed with OpenPGP using GPGMail URL: From ca at cafonso.ca Tue Mar 25 20:15:57 2014 From: ca at cafonso.ca (Carlos A. Afonso) Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 21:15:57 -0300 Subject: [bestbits] Brazil's Marco Civil approved by Chamber of Deputies!! Message-ID: <53321C3D.9040802@cafonso.ca> [sorry for eventual duplicates, you will understand why] Dear people, very good news from Brazil: after a nearly four-year battle, "Marco Civil da Internet" (Internet's Civil Rights Framework) was approved by the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. Our dear ex-minister of Culture and staunch militant for the cause, Gilberto Gil, just posted on twitter: "Vencemos! O #MarcoCivil foi aprovado!! Por uma rede neutralizada,liberdade de expressão e proteção à privacidade!" "We won! #MarcoCivil has been approved!! For net neutrality, freedom of expression and protection of privacy!" I am happy! fraternal regards --c.a. From parminder at itforchange.net Mon Mar 24 22:26:09 2014 From: parminder at itforchange.net (parminder) Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 07:56:09 +0530 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [discuss] FW: Comcast undertakes 9 year IETF cosponsorship!? In-Reply-To: <21296.51077.915144.99973@world.std.com> References: <012001cf4532$76fae830$64f0b890$@gmail.com> <20140321183053.GA38840@mx1.yitter.info> <014301cf4535$c767b700$56372500$@gmail.com> <20140321185735.GB38840@mx1.yitter.info> <532cd2b2.e7bcb40a.4a94.ffffed9fSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <532d8c7e.8259440a.5ba8.ffffe7ebSMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <048d01cf45f0$320241b0$9606c510$@gmail.com> <532DEC08.5010703@cs.tcd.ie> <057201cf4618$602d61a0$208824e0$@gmail.com> <532E0E64.2040007@cs.tcd.ie> <05be01cf4625$09172600$1b457200$@gmail.com> <21296.51077.915144.99973@world.std.com> Message-ID: <5330E941.2010001@itforchange.net> I have seen hundreds of discussions here which begin by the poser, and a basic political question - how can those who are already among the most powerful - big business - be actually given rights to make public policy decisions on par with people's representatives, quickly end up in responses like how can you keep industry out of the room or not consult them.. !!??? It seems to be of no avail that the original questioner keeps asserting that neither that person nor it seems anyone else ever said that industry should not be consulted - however elaborate a meaning be applied to the term 'consultation' .... There is a huge huge difference between consulting and being a part of decision making, that too, specifically on public policy making... Unless we remained focussed on that 'difference', and also the specific meaning of 'what is a public policy', and what does 'making and enforcing public policy entail' , we wont make progress on discussing this particular issue - the political role and status, or even definition, of multistakeholderism. If there is will here to discuss these elements seperately we can perhaps do that. Because multistakeholder (public) policy making is the new elephant in the IG room, and it better be addressed upfront. parminder On Tuesday 25 March 2014 05:32 AM, Barry Shein wrote: > On March 22, 2014 at 16:18 gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) wrote: > > > > Is it really acceptable for the process towards the establishment of global > > standards for sugar intake to be "(co)sponsored" by Coca Cola for example; > > or for that matter for Coca Cola to have a member on the Board of one of the > > key technical bodies making recommendations towards those standards? > > I'm not sure this analogy is apt, as much as I sympathize with the > sentiment. > > This is more like Coke having membership on the board of a group which > is setting standards for grocery shelving. It probably exists. > > Surely Coke would have a legitimate interest just like anyone else > involved (supermarkets, delivery companies, etc.) And that interest > may well be self-interested but there's no obvious reason why it > should not be involved or why this would be bad. > > Now, if Coke used that position to favor their bottle sizes over that > of competitors that might be a problem. But that would be the end > result of a lopsided or corrupted process rather than a mistake > letting them into the room. > > But the purpose of the IETF et al is not to stand between the public > and the manufacturers. > > Most of the IETF's work is to standardize practices among > manufacturers (providers, etc.) in the belief that this produces a > result in the public's interest by improving interoperability. > > I don't believe I am splitting a hair: I think there is a time and > place for consumer advocacy groups, and industry advocacy groups, and > standards development bodies. > > Their interests often overlap in significant ways but much of their > effort is disjoint. > > Put simply: Merely having a pecuniary interest in a result is not a > /prima facie/ justification for disenfranchisement. > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From joana at varonferraz.com Tue Mar 25 20:24:34 2014 From: joana at varonferraz.com (Joana Varon) Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 21:24:34 -0300 Subject: [bestbits] Marco Civil has just been APPROVED at Brazilian Chamber of Deputies Message-ID: Dear all, As we have received so much support from the international community, I'm happy to let you know that Marco Civil has just been approved at the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. Now we need to approve it in the Senate. This is the final version of the text: http://www.camara.gov.br/proposicoesWeb/prop_mostrarintegra?codteor=1238705&filename=Tramitacao-PL+2126/2011 Of course, the text is not perfect and we still have to fight for changes on data retention. Nevertheless, its a happy day for many of the Brazilian civil society organizations mobilized for approving a bill of rights for the Internet. A lot of very good people have been engaged and doing an amazing job in Brasilia and on the social networks, without giving up, despite of the never ending vote-not vote soap opera. #FeelingProud :) I would like to thank you for all the support received to far, as international pressure have helped as well. This is also a good step for NetMundial. all the best joana -- -- Joana Varon Ferraz @joana_varon PGP 0x016B8E73 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Tue Mar 25 15:42:11 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina Rossini) Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 15:42:11 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Fwd: NETmundial / European Commission to facilitate a conference call for information sharing In-Reply-To: <0E54E4EA78DD6A40BC64BF9D089600593298697C@S-DC-ESTJ04-B.net1.cec.eu.int> References: <0E54E4EA78DD6A40BC64BF9D089600593298697C@S-DC-ESTJ04-B.net1.cec.eu.int> Message-ID: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Date: Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 9:56 AM Subject: NETmundial / European Commission to facilitate a conference call for information sharing To: Andrea.GLORIOSO at ec.europa.eu Cc: Silvia.VICECONTE at ec.europa.eu [ *Apologies if you receive this message multiple times. Please share with your contacts.* ] In view of the forthcoming Global Multistakeholder Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance (NETMundial, *http://www.netmundial.br/*) which will take place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on 23-24 April 2014, the European Commission is organising an open conference call, with the purpose of sharing information among stakeholders. The online meeting will be facilitated by the European Commission, but we do expect stakeholders to actively contribute to the conversation. We kindly ask those who plan to attend the conference call and would like to share their views with other participants, possibly on the basis of their / their organisation's contribution to NETmundial, to *let us know in advance*so that we can allocate a fair number of slots for interventions. Details of the conference call (phone numbers, PIN, and Adobe Connect data) are below: - Date: 8 April 2014 - Time: 11:00 - 13:00 (CET) - Telephone number: 02 808 1363 (if calling from Belgium - for a list of international number, please see the attached PDF document) - Conference room number: 1327846 - Adobe Connect URL: *http://ec-wacs.adobeconnect.com/ag4682/*(please note that you do *NOT* need to use Adobe Connect to participate in the teleconference - it's offered as an option) As background information, you might want to go through the contributions which have been submitted to NETmundial. They are available at *http://content.netmundial.br/docs/contribs*. The European Commission has submitted two contributions, which are available at *http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/internet-governance-principles/176*and *http://content.netmundial.br/contribution/roadmap-for-the-further-evolution-of-the-internet-governance-ecosystem/177*. Thanks for your kind attention. We hope you will join us for this discussion. Best regards, -- Andrea Glorioso (Mr) European Commission - DG Communication Networks, Content and Technology Unit D1 (International relations) + Task Force on Internet Policy Development Avenue de Beaulieu 25 (4/64) / B-1049 / Brussels / Belgium T: +32-2-29-97682 M: +32-460-797-682 E: Andrea.Glorioso at ec.europa.eu Twitter: @andreaglorioso Facebook: *https://www.facebook.com/andrea.glorioso* LinkedIn: *http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=1749288&trk=tab_pro* The views expressed above are purely those of the writer and may not in any circumstances be regarded as stating an official position of the European Commission. Les opinions exprimées ci-dessus n'engagent que leur auteur et ne sauraient en aucun cas être assimilées à une position officielle de la Commission européenne. Be transparent - Sign up to the European Commission's Register of Interest Representatives *http://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regrin* -- *Carolina Rossini* *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* Open Technology Institute *New America Foundation* // http://carolinarossini.net/ + 1 6176979389 *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* skype: carolrossini @carolinarossini -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 20120920_EU-InternationalAccessNumbers-EN.PDF Type: application/pdf Size: 115457 bytes Desc: not available URL: From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Tue Mar 25 22:05:29 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina Rossini) Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 22:05:29 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Re: [discuss] Brazil's Marco Civil approved by Chamber of Deputies!! In-Reply-To: References: <53321C3D.9040802@cafonso.ca> <4F385379-1D51-42D2-91E8-E0490B596E3F@mail.utoronto.ca> Message-ID: and just out of the key-board: http://infojustice.org/archives/32527 On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 10:04 PM, Carolina Rossini < carolina.rossini at gmail.com> wrote: > this is a collective victory!!!! after many many years of work of a lot of > people in different levels of action - from guerrilla to lobbying to > academia to advocacy ! > > articles of interest > > 3 - principles: I - freedom of expression, II - privacy protection, III - > protection of personal data, IV - NN, V - preservation of security, > stability and functionality of the network, VI - liability of actors, VII - > preservation of the participate nature of the internet, VII - freedoms for > business models - which telcos have already commented on in a press release > saying this is freedom of consumer choice and is related to different > prices for speeds and services) > 7 and 8 - good articles regulating and protecting freedom of expression > and privacy > 9 - NN > 11 - they took out mandate to nationalize databases and now the article > say when the Brazilian law is applicable (jurisdiction was always the main > issue here) > 13 - log retention for 1 year by the access provider > 15 - log retention for 6 months by the application provider > 18, 19 and 20 - take down of content with judicial order and ISP liability > just after that > 21 - ISP subsidiary liability related to publication of private content > with nudity (a result of a outcry related to the of a couple of teenagers > in Brazil ) > > good news - all with due process > > but I think that, due to the political situation in Brazil, this is the > best we could have asked for > > > On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 9:47 PM, Stephanie Perrin < > stephanie.perrin at mail.utoronto.ca> wrote: > >> Congratulations, this is excellent news! Please send the link to the >> final text! >> Stephanie Perrin >> On Mar 25, 2014, at 8:15 PM, Carlos A. Afonso wrote: >> >> > [sorry for eventual duplicates, you will understand why] >> > >> > Dear people, very good news from Brazil: after a nearly four-year >> battle, "Marco Civil da Internet" (Internet's Civil Rights Framework) was >> approved by the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. >> > >> > Our dear ex-minister of Culture and staunch militant for the cause, >> Gilberto Gil, just posted on twitter: >> > >> > "Vencemos! O #MarcoCivil foi aprovado!! Por uma rede >> neutralizada,liberdade de expressão e proteção à privacidade!" >> > >> > "We won! #MarcoCivil has been approved!! For net neutrality, freedom of >> expression and protection of privacy!" >> > >> > I am happy! >> > >> > fraternal regards >> > >> > --c.a. >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > discuss mailing list >> > discuss at 1net.org >> > http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss >> >> >> >> ____________________________________________________________ >> You received this message as a subscriber on the list: >> governance at lists.igcaucus.org >> To be removed from the list, visit: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing >> >> For all other list information and functions, see: >> http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance >> To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: >> http://www.igcaucus.org/ >> >> Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t >> >> > > > -- > *Carolina Rossini* > *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* > Open Technology Institute > *New America Foundation* > // > http://carolinarossini.net/ > + 1 6176979389 > *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* > skype: carolrossini > @carolinarossini > > -- *Carolina Rossini* *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* Open Technology Institute *New America Foundation* // http://carolinarossini.net/ + 1 6176979389 *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* skype: carolrossini @carolinarossini -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ca at cafonso.ca Tue Mar 25 20:59:42 2014 From: ca at cafonso.ca (Carlos A. Afonso) Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 21:59:42 -0300 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [discuss] Brazil's Marco Civil approved by Chamber of Deputies!! In-Reply-To: <20140326004941.83D5192285@hermes.tiwa.net.br> References: <53321C3D.9040802@cafonso.ca> <20140326004941.83D5192285@hermes.tiwa.net.br> Message-ID: <5332267E.6040404@cafonso.ca> Here is the link to the approved text (in PDF, in Portuguese): http://www.camara.gov.br/proposicoesWeb/prop_mostrarintegra?codteor=1238705&filename=Tramitacao-PL+2126/2011 I am sure there will be an English version soon -- maybe as soon as it passes Senate (where it should be approved without modification) and our prez sanctions it. fraternal regards --c.a. On 03/25/2014 09:44 PM, Michel Gauthier wrote: > At 01:15 26/03/2014, Carlos A. Afonso wrote: >> [sorry for eventual duplicates, you will understand why] >> Dear people, very good news from Brazil: after a nearly four-year >> battle, "Marco Civil da Internet" (Internet's Civil Rights Framework) >> was approved by the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. >> >> Our dear ex-minister of Culture and staunch militant for the cause, >> Gilberto Gil, just posted on twitter: >> >> "Vencemos! O #MarcoCivil foi aprovado!! Por uma rede >> neutralizada,liberdade de expressão e proteção à privacidade!" >> "We won! #MarcoCivil has been approved!! For net neutrality, freedom >> of expression and protection of privacy!" > > Bravo! > B R I L L I A N T as in BRAZIL !!! > > Would you have an URL for the final text, if possible in English. > I would suggest that this text be added to the press information on > netmubdial.br to show the world what the IG is about when enacted by a > people. > > I have a question for the Brazilian winners! (who also host the Sao > Paulo meeting): according to your new law, what is an Internet > stakeholder? What the place of ICANN? > > M G > From ca at cafonso.ca Tue Mar 25 21:18:53 2014 From: ca at cafonso.ca (Carlos A. Afonso) Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 22:18:53 -0300 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [discuss] Brazil's Marco Civil approved by Chamber of Deputies!! In-Reply-To: <5332267E.6040404@cafonso.ca> References: <53321C3D.9040802@cafonso.ca> <20140326004941.83D5192285@hermes.tiwa.net.br> <5332267E.6040404@cafonso.ca> Message-ID: <53322AFD.8080603@cafonso.ca> Michel, got a version in Word, attached. You might try and run it through Google Translate. fraternal regards --c.a. On 03/25/2014 09:59 PM, Carlos A. Afonso wrote: > Here is the link to the approved text (in PDF, in Portuguese): > > http://www.camara.gov.br/proposicoesWeb/prop_mostrarintegra?codteor=1238705&filename=Tramitacao-PL+2126/2011 > > > I am sure there will be an English version soon -- maybe as soon as it > passes Senate (where it should be approved without modification) and our > prez sanctions it. > > fraternal regards > > --c.a. > > On 03/25/2014 09:44 PM, Michel Gauthier wrote: >> At 01:15 26/03/2014, Carlos A. Afonso wrote: >>> [sorry for eventual duplicates, you will understand why] >>> Dear people, very good news from Brazil: after a nearly four-year >>> battle, "Marco Civil da Internet" (Internet's Civil Rights Framework) >>> was approved by the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. >>> >>> Our dear ex-minister of Culture and staunch militant for the cause, >>> Gilberto Gil, just posted on twitter: >>> >>> "Vencemos! O #MarcoCivil foi aprovado!! Por uma rede >>> neutralizada,liberdade de expressão e proteção à privacidade!" >>> "We won! #MarcoCivil has been approved!! For net neutrality, freedom >>> of expression and protection of privacy!" >> >> Bravo! >> B R I L L I A N T as in BRAZIL !!! >> >> Would you have an URL for the final text, if possible in English. >> I would suggest that this text be added to the press information on >> netmubdial.br to show the world what the IG is about when enacted by a >> people. >> >> I have a question for the Brazilian winners! (who also host the Sao >> Paulo meeting): according to your new law, what is an Internet >> stakeholder? What the place of ICANN? >> >> M G >> -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Marco Civil da Internet (PL 2126_2011) - 25_3_2014.doc Type: application/msword Size: 69632 bytes Desc: not available URL: From mariliamaciel at gmail.com Sat Mar 29 06:59:34 2014 From: mariliamaciel at gmail.com (Marilia Maciel) Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 07:59:34 -0300 Subject: [bestbits] Hubs to Net Mundial - call for registration still open Message-ID: Dear all, This is a reminder of the opportunity to register a remote participation Hub to Net Mundial, given that the deadline has been extended. Remote hubs will have the opportunity to follow the webcast of the meeting and send comments, questions an suggestions to Net Mundial. All registered hubs will receive support from the organization of the event. The call containing further information can be found here: http://netmundial.br/blog/2014/03/18/netmundial-opens-opportunity-for-interested-to-host-official-hubs-of-participation/ Best, Marília *What are the hubs?* The hubs are local meetings that take place simultaneously with NETmundial meeting. People can watch the webcast together and send questions and comments, via text or audio, that will be included in the Sao Paulo discussions. NETmundial remote hubs can be organized among participants and any group of interested people who share a more immediate community or geographical proximity. It should be open and inclusive to interest actors among the local community, as well as the local press. An minimal infrastructure should be provided, such as: - Accessible location, open to the general public (hotel meeting room, auditorium, theater etc); - Accommodate around 50 participants; - Computer and Internet broadband connection availability; - Computer screen projection and audio system (microphone and speakers); *About NETmundial* *The Global Multistakeholder Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance* will focus on crafting Internet governance principles and proposing a roadmap for the further evolution of the Internet governance ecosystem. The meeting is scheduled for April 23rd and 24th 2014, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and will be live webcast enabling remote participation. The meeting follows an initiative proposed by CGI.br and /1net. More info: www.netmundial.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From joly at punkcast.com Thu Mar 20 10:28:59 2014 From: joly at punkcast.com (Joly MacFie) Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 10:28:59 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] =?ISO-8859-1?Q?WEBCAST_TONIGHT=3A_NCUC_Conference=3A_I?= =?ISO-8859-1?Q?CANN_and_Global_Internet_Governance=3A_The_Road_to_S=E3o_P?= =?ISO-8859-1?Q?aulo=2C_and_Beyond?= Message-ID: (Feel free to forward) If NCUC conferences set the tone for the entire ICANN meeting that follows them, this one will be exceptionally influential. In particular the afternoon sessions on Governance and Globalization, comprising the NTIA's first public speaking engagements since the IANA transition proposal was announced. The stream is via YouTube so it should be possible, no matter what time you show up, to merrily skip up and down the timeline, and it will be html5 and IPv6 functional. joly posted: "Tomorrow, Friday March 21 2014, just prior to ICANN 49 in Singapore, the NonCommercial Users Constituency (NCUC) of the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) will host a one-day conference "ICANN and Global Internet Governance: The Road to São Paul" [image: NCUC] Tomorrow, Friday March 21 2014, just prior to ICANN 49 in Singapore, the NonCommercial Users Constituency (NCUC) of the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) will host a one-day conference "*ICANN and Global Internet Governance: The Road to São Paulo, and Beyond *". Cross-community panels will discuss recent Internet governance initiatives, core principles and road-maps for globalization and institutional innovation. Speakers include ICANN Chair *Steve Crocker*, ALAC Chair *Olivier Crepin-Leblond*, NCSG Chair *Rafik Dammak*, *Erika Mann* of facebook,* Niels ten Oever* of Article 19, *Jari Arrko* of the IETF, *Avri Doria* of ISOC-NY, *Fiona Alexander* of the NTIA, *Milton Mueller* of the NCUC, former ICANN board member *Bertrand de la Chappelle*, *Markus Kummer* of the Internet Society,* Alice Munyua* of the African Union, and Internet Hall of Famer *George Sadowsky*. *Larry Stricklin*g with give a final keynote. Remote participation will be available via Adobe Connect, and there will be a live webcast. Singapore is exactly half a day ahead of NYC so this all starts at 10pm tonight and runs until 6am. *What*: NCUC Conference: ICANN and Global Internet Governance: The Road to São Paulo, and Beyond *Where*: Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore *When*: Friday March 21 2014 10am-6pm SGT | 0200-1000 UTC | 1000-0600 EDT *Agenda*: http://www.ncuc.org/singapore2014/programme/ *Remote Participation*: http://singapore49.icann.org/en/schedule/fri-ncuc-ig *Webcast*: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-OSzgOT3jA *Twitter*: @ncuc | #ICANN49 Comment See all comments *Permalink* http://isoc-ny.org/p2/6421 -- --------------------------------------------------------------- Joly MacFie 218 565 9365 Skype:punkcast WWWhatsup NYC - http://wwwhatsup.com http://pinstand.com - http://punkcast.com VP (Admin) - ISOC-NY - http://isoc-ny.org -------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gurstein at gmail.com Wed Mar 26 20:36:06 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 17:36:06 -0700 Subject: [bestbits] Whoops: Bad Link RE: [governance] Blogpost: The Multistakeholder Model, Neo-liberalism and Global (Internet) Governance Message-ID: <0b8c01cf4954$8ae99c80$a0bcd580$@gmail.com> http://gurstein.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/the-multistakeholder-model-neo-libe ralism-and-global-internet-governance/ http://t.co/EU8F1LgUn6 Apologies, Mike From: Felicity Ruby [mailto:flickruby at gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2014 5:32 PM To: michael gurstein Subject: Re: [governance] Blogpost: The Multistakeholder Model, Neo-liberalism and Global (Internet) Governance Michael your link is bad Gurstein's Community Informatics Mike Gurstein's comments on enabling and empowering communities with information and communications technologies and other stuff. Not Found Apologies, but the page you requested could not be found. Perhaps searching will help. Search for: On Wed, Mar 26, 2014 at 9:19 PM, michael gurstein wrote: Blogpost: The Multistakeholder Model, Neo-liberalism and Global (Internet) Governance M ____________________________________________________________ You received this message as a subscriber on the list: governance at lists.igcaucus.org To be removed from the list, visit: http://www.igcaucus.org/unsubscribing For all other list information and functions, see: http://lists.igcaucus.org/info/governance To edit your profile and to find the IGC's charter, see: http://www.igcaucus.org/ Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mars.techno.cat at gmail.com Mon Mar 31 13:55:23 2014 From: mars.techno.cat at gmail.com (Techno CAT) Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 12:55:23 -0500 Subject: [bestbits] Fwd: ....For People who do not believe they can create Uniqueness without IANA In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Techno CAT Date: Sun, Mar 30, 2014 at 6:58 AM Subject: ....For People who do not believe they can create Uniqueness without IANA To: liberationtech at lists.stanford.edu DHT480 Tool
Techno.C at T's
Stand-Alone [OFFLINE] JavaScript DNSD eWALLET DHT480 PI Workbench

Did you know that PI = 2.222222222222222... ? [Hint: Not BASE10]



Enter MATRIX Card #1: [0-9 ONLY]
...NUMERIC ONLY entry...16 Digits...

Enter MATRIX Card #2: [0-9 ONLY]
...NUMERIC ONLY entry...16 Digits...

...Move Mouse near RESET to Iterate FASTER...Click CLEAR and CAPTURE of SPIGOT...

LargeInteger:
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CurrentI:
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LargeInteger/CurrentI:
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Are WE There YET ?....4/1-4/3+4/5-4/7+4/9-4/11+...

31415926535897932384626433832795

[]

Copy and Paste from DHT480 MATRIX...
Enter MATRIX: [1-9 ONLY]
...NUMERIC ONLY entry...SPACES will be removed...

ZOOM://Soft.WAY.™


SPIGOT

CLIPBOARD (CSV)


480-bit DHT KEYS
1to9HEX (120 Symbols) - Base32 (96 Symbols) Base64 (80 Symbols ~ KeyPunchCard)
SAMPLE MATRIX - CUT AND PASTE to IMPORT above...
819412345139691696237891434567139891696239123139491696236656789123326666675939446415456726666675939446415678913919169623
672345678593466667872128134234563466667872128134234781399916962614123456778289523919199713923456289523916199773989178139
991696261412345679833396837919878132345633396837919878132347813999169626151234567294598314152585732732891234314152585732
732834556139791697399489533689631416531178387256912331416531118327256344513969169746927843659153141539689238917789123141
539389238917456341395916975552673398694314164395966778739123314164395966778739145139691697617378443171531415474196747467
789131415474196747417232313949169768625624482133141638366974456678913141638366974126345231394916977364562448213314163836
697445667891314163836697423645623139491697784256246463331415547519213614678931415597119213614231213939169783284514646323
141553741921361456783141552731921361445911392916978827349464651314163678825281332345314163678825281339167139891697941691
...THIS is NOT an RFC...C at T
-- 3DNB - Real Banking for Your VIRTUAL Worlds http://3DNB.COM Login: ZOOM Password: BOX @Techno_CAT_r http://Twitter.com/Techno_CAT_r -- 3DNB - Real Banking for Your VIRTUAL Worlds http://3DNB.COM Login: ZOOM Password: BOX @Techno_CAT_r http://Twitter.com/Techno_CAT_r From gurstein at gmail.com Sat Mar 29 18:26:32 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 15:26:32 -0700 Subject: [bestbits] FW: [CommonGood] News from Southeast-Asia In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <011801cf4b9d$f0aa1220$d1fe3660$@gmail.com> An interesting short paper for those in civil society wanting/needing a reminder of the issues/strategies for civil society in a neo-liberal globalized world. M From: CommonGood [mailto:commongood-bounces at listi.jpberlin.de] On Behalf Of Birgit Daiber Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2014 2:10 AM To: commongood at listi.jpberlin.de Subject: [CommonGood] News from Southeast-Asia Dear Friends and Colleagues, please find attached a paper from Tina Ebro on social commons and the program of an actual conference, organized by Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation and AEPF. Best wishes, Yours, Birgit Daiber bir.dai at hotmail.com Fon: 0039-090-9452432 Mobile: 0039-366-4207762 Brussels: Rue du Canal 19, B-1000 Brussels Sicily: Casella Postale No. 28, I-98055 Lipari -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Paper TINA for Common Good Project Mar 2014-2.doc Type: application/msword Size: 67072 bytes Desc: not available URL: From dsullivan at globalnetworkinitiative.org Sat Mar 29 10:25:34 2014 From: dsullivan at globalnetworkinitiative.org (David Sullivan) Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 10:25:34 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] [BBC] Turkey moves to block YouTube access after 'audio leak' In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi all, GNI issued a statement Thursday on topic referencing Turkey as the IGF host: https://www.globalnetworkinitiative.org/news/turkey-stop-blocking-social-media In addition, Access had an excellent blog post making this point last week, also noting turkey's role on the netmundial high level stakeholder committee: https://www.accessnow.org/blog/2014/03/21/escalation-in-erdogans-war-on-online-freedom-of-expression On Saturday, March 29, 2014, Izumi AIZU wrote: > Dear CS friends, > > It's quite uncomfortable to know the recent development of censorship on > social media by Turkish Government. > Now YouTube after twitter. > > Here's one piece. > > http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26773702 > > What's next? > > Shouldn't CS people raise our voice to the host country of IGF2014 as soon > as possible? > > NETMundial is important, but this is also very significant to us. > > izumi > > > -- David Sullivan Policy and Communications Director Global Network Initiative Office: +1 202 741 5048 Mobile: +1 646 595 5373 @David_MSullivan -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mariliamaciel at gmail.com Sun Mar 30 15:44:14 2014 From: mariliamaciel at gmail.com (Marilia Maciel) Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 16:44:14 -0300 Subject: [bestbits] EMC meeting to produce initial contributions to Net Mundial Mon and Tue Message-ID: Dear all, Next Monday and Tuesday (31/03 and 01/04) the Executive Multistakeholder Committee of Net Mundial will meet to write the initial contribution to Net Mundial based on the inputs that were presented during the public consultation period. Some of the members of the EMC will be physically in São Paulo, while others will join remotely. As mentioned before, this document is a starting point for the discussions among participants during the two-day Net Mundial meeting. The drafting exercise that will be carried out for the next two days aims to identify points of agreement and possible ways forward. It will produce two documents of 4-5 pages each (one on principles and other on roadmap). These documents will be forwarded to the High Level Multistakeholder Committee on April 2nd. Afterwards, the document will be put online for public comment. Our aim is to give interested parties a chance to know the documents and react before São Paulo. More information about the platform for consultation will be shared later. Best wishes, Marília -- *Marília Maciel* Pesquisadora Gestora Centro de Tecnologia e Sociedade - FGV Direito Rio Researcher and Coordinator Center for Technology & Society - FGV Law School http://direitorio.fgv.br/cts DiploFoundation associate www.diplomacy.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Mon Mar 31 22:27:01 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina) Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 22:27:01 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] New list - now regarding IANA's transition Message-ID: Just want to be sure you are aware. ianatransition mailing list ianatransition at icann.org https://mm.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/ianatransition Sent from my iPhone -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Wed Mar 26 14:48:09 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina Rossini) Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 14:48:09 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Re: Marco Civil in English In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: ops On Wed, Mar 26, 2014 at 2:25 PM, Carolina Rossini < carolina.rossini at gmail.com> wrote: > Dear all, > > (sorry for cross-posting) > > attached I send a draft version in english done by Raquel Gatto from ISOC > Brazil. > > Articles of interest: > > 3 - principles: I - freedom of expression, II - privacy protection, III - > protection of personal data, IV - NN, V - preservation of security, > stability and functionality of the network, VI - liability of actors, VII - > preservation of the participate nature of the internet, VII - freedoms for > business models - which telcos have already commented on in a press release > saying this is freedom of consumer choice and is related to different > prices for speeds and services) > 7 and 8 - good articles regulating and protecting freedom of expression > and privacy > 9 - NN > 11 - they took out mandate to nationalize databases and now the article > say when the Brazilian law is applicable (jurisdiction was always the main > issue here) > 13 - log retention for 1 year by the access provider > 15 - log retention for 6 months by the application provider > 18, 19 and 20 - take down of content with judicial order and ISP liability > just after that > 21 - ISP subsidiary liability related to publication of private content > with nudity (a result of a outcry related to the of a couple of teenagers > in Brazil ) > > Best (and thank you Raquel!) > > C > > -- > *Carolina Rossini* > *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* > Open Technology Institute > *New America Foundation* > // > http://carolinarossini.net/ > + 1 6176979389 > *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* > skype: carolrossini > @carolinarossini > > -- *Carolina Rossini* *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* Open Technology Institute *New America Foundation* // http://carolinarossini.net/ + 1 6176979389 *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* skype: carolrossini @carolinarossini -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: MCI_INGLES (update 25.03.2014) .doc Type: application/msword Size: 172032 bytes Desc: not available URL: From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Wed Mar 26 11:58:59 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina Rossini) Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 11:58:59 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [IRPCoalition] MARCO CIVIL APPROVED by Br House In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: we are working on that there is no more server location, now what says (generally) is if part of a certain transaction affect or involve brazilians, brazilian law and jurisdiction should prevail On Wed, Mar 26, 2014 at 10:35 AM, Eduardo Bertoni wrote: > Thanks Caro, > > I can't understand very well the meaning of article 10 to 13. I think that > they changed since our last discussion about servers locations. Do you or > anybody have an English version of the MArco Civil? > > Best > > e > > Eduardo Bertoni > > > On Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 9:54 PM, Carolina Rossini < > carolina.rossini at gmail.com> wrote: > >> >> Dear all, >> >> As we have received so much support from the international community, I'm >> extremely happy to let you know that Marco Civil (after years of activism >> of a great group of Br groups and a lot of political strategy) has just >> been approved at the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. Now we need to approve >> it in the Senate. >> >> This is the final version of the text: >> >> http://www.camara.gov.br/proposicoesWeb/prop_mostrarintegra?codteor=1238705&filename=Tramitacao-PL+2126/2011 >> >> Of course, the text is not perfect and we still have to fight for changes >> on data retention. Nevertheless, its a very happy day for many of the >> Brazilian civil society organizations mobilized for approving a bill of >> rights for the Internet. A lot of very good people have been engaged and >> doing an amazing job in Brasilia and on the social networks, without giving >> up, despite of the never ending vote-not vote soap opera. #FeelingProud :) >> >> I would like to thank you for all the support received to far, as >> international pressure have helped as well. >> >> This is also a good step for NetMundial. >> >> Exciting >> >> -- >> *Carolina Rossini* >> http://carolinarossini.net/ >> + 1 6176979389 >> *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* >> skype: carolrossini >> @carolinarossini >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> IRP mailing list >> IRP at lists.internetrightsandprinciples.org >> https://lists.internetrightsandprinciples.org/mailman/listinfo/irp >> >> > -- *Carolina Rossini* *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* Open Technology Institute *New America Foundation* // http://carolinarossini.net/ + 1 6176979389 *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* skype: carolrossini @carolinarossini -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From fouadbajwa at gmail.com Thu Mar 20 08:25:58 2014 From: fouadbajwa at gmail.com (Fouad Bajwa) Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 17:25:58 +0500 Subject: [bestbits] Fwd: The ITU weighs in... Message-ID: Sharing for information, from manning bill Date: Thu, Mar 20, 2014 at 2:19 AM Subject: The ITU weighs in... http://www.itu.int/en/council/cwg-internet/Pages/consultation-mar2014.aspx (text from Andrew) ---------- Greetings, The ITU's Council Working Group on International Internet Related Public Policy (CWG-Internet) +recently agreed to conduct an open, online consultation asking all stakeholder their views on the +role of governments in 12 specific internet-related public policy areas. CWG-Internet had recently conducted a similar consultation amongst governments only. Noting that +all stakeholders should have the opportunity to weigh in on this important question In response, +the United States and may of our friends supported an open consultation, so we are pleased to see +this opportunity come about. I encourage you to check out the link below and consider providing a submission. Short answers are +great (and perhaps more effective), so please don't feel the task is too great a burden. --------- /bill -- Regards. -------------------------- Fouad Bajwa ICT4D and Internet Governance Advisor My Blog: Internet's Governance: http://internetsgovernance.blogspot.com/ Follow my Tweets: http://twitter.com/fouadbajwa From gurstein at gmail.com Thu Mar 27 10:16:30 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 07:16:30 -0700 Subject: [bestbits] RE: [discuss] What is MSism? In-Reply-To: References: <20140326091244.818F921364D@smtp2.arin.net> <7F11B8A9-988A-4CC1-B6C9-C96D756E39B0@istaff.org> <20140326183653.DEFE721365F@smtp2.arin.net> <170128E5-F66A-4AC1-A2D7-FB759B5BB040@istaff.org> <5333541d.497eb40a.23db.ffffd191SMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <0b6b01cf4950$7e00b2a0$7a0217e0$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <01f101cf49c7$26b242d0$7416c870$@gmail.com> Tks McTim, That paper does provide some clarity while overall reinforcing my central point -- multistakeholderism transfers power to the beneficiaries of the Internet and away from the democracy that gives protection to everyone else. Mike -----Original Message----- From: McTim [mailto:dogwallah at gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2014 2:12 AM To: michael gurstein Cc: 1Net List Subject: Re: [discuss] What is MSism? Michael, I believe all of your queries RE: MSism should be answered by this doc: http://gsnetworks.org/wp-content/uploads/The-Remarkable-Internet-Governance- Network-Part-I.pdf rgds, McTim On Wed, Mar 26, 2014 at 8:07 PM, michael gurstein wrote: > My contribution to this discussion... > > > > Blogpost: The Multistakeholder Model, Neo-liberalism and Global > (Internet) Governance > > > > M > > > _______________________________________________ > discuss mailing list > discuss at 1net.org > http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss -- Cheers, McTim "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where it is. A route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel From gurstein at gmail.com Fri Mar 28 12:36:13 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 09:36:13 -0700 Subject: [bestbits] FW: [discuss] What is MSism? References: <20140326091244.818F921364D@smtp2.arin.net> <7F11B8A9-988A-4CC1-B6C9-C96D756E39B0@istaff.org> <20140326183653.DEFE721365F@smtp2.arin.net> <170128E5-F66A-4AC1-A2D7-FB759B5BB040@istaff.org> <5333541d.497eb40a.23db.ffffd191SMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com> <0b6b01cf4950$7e00b2a0$7a0217e0$@gmail.com> <01f101cf49c7$26b242d0$7416c870$@gmail.com> <533576E9.4000704@wzb.eu> Message-ID: <07a401cf4aa3$d63adbe0$82b093a0$@gmail.com> Yes, to Jeanette's comments below... and to add, what also seems new is *the intent to formalize MSism as a method of formal decision making in areas very much outside the narrowly technical *the intent to substitute this for other methods of formal decision making *the presentation of MSism as an update on other forms of decision making for example as "enhanced democracy" or "post-democratic" *the identification of MSism as a specific response to a wide range of problems with current democratic processes rather than one tool/method among many for enhancing consultative processes *the attempt to implement this method across the board in a specific sphere, Internet Governance, but with strong implications of it being applicable in much much wider spheres *the launching of a widely based seemingly coordinated campaign in support of the above In short, as Jeanette points out, the MS model of broadening the base and methodology of consultation is a very old one, turning it into an "ism" and a movement is something very new. Issues of direct democracy are I think tangential to discussions of MSism and certainly are not relevant to my broader arguments. The simple opposition between the MS model and representative democracy is a strawman argument. As I've said repeatedly MS processes have their place and representative democracy has its problems particularly with somewhat complex (technical etc.) and fast moving issue areas. However, the attempt to stampede the world towards a radical broad scale substitution of MSism for current democratic practice would appear to have motives much beyond an improvement in the management of the IANA function, for example, or responding to flaws in current democratic processes-motives perhaps (as per the two papers I pointed to) of finding a way to formally include global Internet corporations in global Internet decision making. If responding to flaws in existing practice were the only concern then the appropriate approach would be to address the flaws rather than a complete substitution as is evidently being promoted at least by some. ...something is happening here But you don't know what it is Do you, Mister Jones? http://www.bobdylan.com/us/songs/ballad-thin-man M -----Original Message----- From: discuss-bounces at 1net.org [mailto:discuss-bounces at 1net.org] On Behalf Of Jeanette Hofmann Sent: Friday, March 28, 2014 6:20 AM To: McTim Cc: 1Net List Subject: Re: [discuss] What is MSism? Hi McTim, Am 28.03.2014 13:07, schrieb McTim: > > Your insistence that MSism is a new pheonomenon in IG ignores the > history of the past 40 years. I'd say it is a new term for a phenomenon much older than the past 40 years. Parliamentary hearings, for example, often follow the multistakeholder approach. So does the German parliamentary inquiry commission. What seems more recent is the idea to adapt this model to transnational regulation. > > It is clear that many of us (most of us I am guessing) on 1Net prefer > direct democracy: Is it? I certainly wouldn't. I think it is impossible for a modern complex society to govern itself solely through direct forms of democracy. It is not even clear whether direct democracy would be more democratic given the little interest large parts of society have in matters of collective concern. Global issues such as the management of the IANA functions will probably never attract attention beyond a small minority. Concepts such as representative versus direct democracy might be simply too big for the small community dealing with this issue. Still, the future process and the institutional architecture have to be transparent, reliable, accountable and thus legitimate. jeanette > > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_democracy > > Direct democracy (also known as pure democracy)[1] is a form of > democracyin which people decide (e.g. vote on, form consensus on, > etc.) policy initiatives directly, as opposed to arepresentative > democracy in which people vote for representatives who then decide > policy initiatives.[2] > > > Given that 1Net is all about MSism: > > "As part of the multistakeholder approach, /1net is hosting an open, > global onlineforum about Internet governance. Together, we can develop > a framework that will help grow and strengthen our interconnected > world in the public interest. " > > source: 1net.org > > I doubt that this is really open to debate on this list. > > Given my experience in MS processes (including WSIS) over the last > decade+ it is clear to me that the MS model is one that works far > better in protecting an open Internet than representative democracy. > Those MS processes aren't about power, but largely about which ideas > are better than others (WSIS was an exception to this rule). > > YMMV. > _______________________________________________ discuss mailing list discuss at 1net.org http://1net-mail.1net.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Thu Mar 27 09:15:49 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina Rossini) Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 09:15:49 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Fwd: [RedLatAm] Fwd: [EDRi-members] NSA Spying at the UN (Concluding Remarks from the Human Rights Committee) In-Reply-To: <5334210D.7090603@eff.org> References: <53341F8D.20308@eff.org> <5334210D.7090603@eff.org> Message-ID: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Katitza Rodriguez Date: Thu, Mar 27, 2014 at 9:01 AM Subject: [RedLatAm] Fwd: [EDRi-members] NSA Spying at the UN (Concluding Remarks from the Human Rights Committee) To: redlatam at lists.accessnow.org Human Rights Committee Concluding Remarks -- Here is my Dispatch from Geneva. NSA surveillance 22. The Committee is concerned about the surveillance of communications in the interests of protecting national security, conducted by the National Security Agency (NSA) both within and outside the United States through the bulk phone metadata program (Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act) and, in particular, the surveillance under Section 702 of Amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) conducted through PRISM (collection of the contents of communications from U.S.-based companies) and UPSTREAM (tapping of fiber-optic cables in the U.S. that carry internet traffic) programs and their adverse impact on the right to privacy. The Committee is concerned that until recently, judicial interpretations of FISA and rulings of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) have largely been kept secret, thus not allowing affected persons to know the law with sufficient precision. The Committee is concerned that the current system of oversight of the activities of the NSA fails to effectively protect the rights of those affected. While welcoming the recent Presidential Policy Directive (PPD-28) that will now extend some safeguards to non-US persons Â"to the maximum extent feasible consistent with the national securityÂ", the Committee remains concerned that such persons enjoy only limited protection against excessive surveillance. Finally, the Committee is concerned that those affected have no access to effective remedies in case of abuse (arts. 2, 5(1), and 17). The State party should: (a) take all necessary measures to ensure that its surveillance activities, both within and outside the United States, conform to its obligations under the Covenant, including article 17; in particular, measures should be taken to ensure that any interference with the right to privacy complies with the principles of legality, proportionality and necessity regardless of the nationality or location of individuals whose communications are under direct surveillance; (b) ensure that any interference with the right to privacy, family, home or correspondence be authorized by laws that (i) are publicly accessible; (ii) contain provisions that ensure that collection of, access to and use of communications data are tailored to specific legitimate aims; (iii) are sufficiently precise specifying in detail the precise circumstances in which any such interference may be permitted; the procedures for authorizing; the categories of persons who may be placed under surveillance; limits on the duration of surveillance; procedures for the use and storage of the data collected; and (iv) provide for effective safeguards against abuse; (c) reform the current system of oversight over surveillance activities to ensure its effectiveness, including by providing for judicial involvement in authorization or monitoring of surveillance measures, and considering to establish strong and independent oversight mandates with a view to prevent abuses; (d) refrain from imposing mandatory retention of data by third parties; (e) ensure that affected persons have access to effective remedies in cases of abuse. _______________________________________________ RedLatAm mailing list RedLatAm at lists.accessnow.org https://lists.accessnow.org/listinfo/redlatam -- *Carolina Rossini* *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* Open Technology Institute *New America Foundation* // http://carolinarossini.net/ + 1 6176979389 *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* skype: carolrossini @carolinarossini -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 919 bytes Desc: not available URL: From gurstein at gmail.com Wed Mar 26 20:19:33 2014 From: gurstein at gmail.com (michael gurstein) Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 17:19:33 -0700 Subject: [bestbits] Blogpost: The Multistakeholder Model, Neo-liberalism and Global (Internet) Governance Message-ID: <0b7901cf4952$3b2b67c0$b1823740$@gmail.com> Blogpost: The Multistakeholder Model, Neo-liberalism and Global (Internet) Governance M -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From iza at anr.org Sat Mar 29 06:28:33 2014 From: iza at anr.org (Izumi AIZU) Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 19:28:33 +0900 Subject: [bestbits] [BBC] Turkey moves to block YouTube access after 'audio leak' Message-ID: Dear CS friends, It's quite uncomfortable to know the recent development of censorship on social media by Turkish Government. Now YouTube after twitter. Here's one piece. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26773702 What's next? Shouldn't CS people raise our voice to the host country of IGF2014 as soon as possible? NETMundial is important, but this is also very significant to us. izumi -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From pouzin at well.com Thu Mar 27 21:58:56 2014 From: pouzin at well.com (Louis Pouzin (well)) Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 02:58:56 +0100 Subject: [bestbits] Re: [governance] Blogpost: The Multistakeholder Model, Neo-liberalism and Global (Internet) Governance In-Reply-To: <0b7901cf4952$3b2b67c0$b1823740$@gmail.com> References: <0b7901cf4952$3b2b67c0$b1823740$@gmail.com> Message-ID: I fully agree with Mike's post and responses in his blog. If one specific instance of MSism may be seen as valid in the narrow IETF context, it is plain hollow as a model of worldwide net governance, nothing more than a smoky mirage, or a fraud. . Louis - - - On Thu, Mar 27, 2014 at 1:19 AM, michael gurstein wrote: > Blogpost: The Multistakeholder Model, Neo-liberalism and Global (Internet) > Governance > > M > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mars.techno.cat at gmail.com Mon Mar 31 10:06:40 2014 From: mars.techno.cat at gmail.com (Techno CAT) Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 09:06:40 -0500 Subject: [bestbits] Contention Sets - An Example of ICANN Backwards Thinking Message-ID: Contention Sets - An Example of ICANN Backwards Thinking ICANN is run by and for LAWYERS. ICANN attempts to design structures for modern data and telecom systems. LAWYERS are not skilled in the design, construction and operation of modern data and telecom systems. When faced with designing structures for ICANN, LAWYERS seem to get it backwards. ICANN subscribes to the Multi-Stakeholder Model of Internet Governance. The Multi-Stakeholder Model of Internet Design and Construction dictates that ANYONE with Tin-Cans and Kite-String can JOIN and help SHAPE the ARCHITECTURE of the Internet. In the early days of telephone systems, the Tin-Can and Kite-String Architecture was used, leading to IN-BAND Signaling FRAUD. Famous BLUE BOXES were designed and developed, allowing edge participants to seize control of signalling paths to make FREE long distance phone calls. The telephone systems evolved AWAY from IN-BAND control and data(voice). ICANN continues to push the flawed Tin-Can and Kite-String Model used in the Internet Architecture. In modern data and telecom systems STABLILITY and RELIABILITY are based on REDUNDANCY - Not SOLE SOURCE. ICANN continues to promote the concept that ANYONE (with a plane ticket and lots of time on their hands) can participate. The reality is that ICANN LAWYERS, behind the scenes, pull the strings and shape the consensus and the resulting Governance Models. ICANN Backwards Thinking emerges from the Multi-Stakeholder Process with LAWYERS controlling the real outcome. Trained Engineers with decades of experience designing sophisticated Real-Time data and telecom systems are SHOCKED at ICANN Models. Contention Sets are a perfect Example of ICANN Backwards Thinking. Comtemton Sets result when SEVERAL Applicants for NEW Top Level Domains apply to ICANN. The 300 page ICANN Applicant Guide for establishing NEW Top Level Domains in the Global Public Domain Name System (DNS) documents how to handle Contention Sets. .WEB (dotWEB) is one of the most requested NEW Top Level Domains with a long history since the 1990s. ICANN Backwards Thinking promotes the concept that ONE PERSON or ONE CORPORATION has to "OWN" a Top Level Domain. ICANN Backwards Thinking is a result of LAWYERS mapping their CONTRACTED PARTIES Models to the Technical Domain Name System. Any Trained Engineer with decades of experience with Real-Time data and telecom systems can confirm that CONTENTION SETS are GOOD. ICANN views CONTENTION SETS as BAD. ICANN plans to use Auctions to resolve CONTENTION SETS. ICANN will of course PROFIT from resolving CONTENTION (Collisions). ICANN is all about Collisions and Artificial Scarcity. Compare the ICANN Models to the Modern Peer-2-Peer P2P Models of BitCoin and TWISTER. The ICANN Multi-Stakeholder Process allows ANYONE (without Engineering training) to design YOUR modern data and telecom systems. With BitCoin and TWISTER, ANYONE can join the .WEB (dotWEB) Movement [development] by downloading and running the .WEB Registry Software. There is NO SINGLE OWNER of the .WEB Registry with the P2P BitCoin and TWISTER Models. ICANN has NO CONTENTION SET to manage. The .WEB Registry is operated by the Sum Total of ALL of the .WEB #WEBCOIN and WEB_TWISTER participants. ICANN Backwards Thinking promotes the concept that ONE PERSON or ONE CORPORATION has to "OWN" the .WEB Registry. ICANN Backwards Thinking does NOT promote the simple FAIR concepts of First-Come-First-Serve. ICANN Backwards Thinking results in PRICE GOUGING of the Public by ONE PERSON or ONE CORPORATION exploting Artificial Scarcity Models. ICANN is NOT a benefit to the Public. ICANN is not qualified to be a PUBLIC BENEFIT Corporation in the State of California. ICANN promotes PRIVATE BENEFIT just like many major PRIVATE Universities that give people the [false] "impression" they are PUBLIC BENEFIT. The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the prime examples of a PRIVATE University NOT operated by the State of California. The name USC [University of Southern California] misleads the casual observer into thinking the State of California oversees the ORGanism. ICANN has its roots at USC. ICANN deceives the General Public. ICANN is a PRIVATE Corporation for the PRIVATE BENEFIT of a FEW INSIDERS. ICANN relies on what Lenin and Stalin called, Useful Idiots to shape the Public View that ICANN is Public Benefit - That is a LIE. ICANN is a PRIVATE Corporation for the PRIVATE BENEFIT of a FEW INSIDERS. ICANN Backwards Thinking has its roots in the PRIVATE BENEFIT views. ICANN Backwards Thinking promotes the concept that ONE PERSON or ONE CORPORATION has to "OWN" the .WEB Registry for PRIVATE BENEFIT. ICANN will now proceed to PROFIT from their PRIVATE BENEFIT Models as they operate PRIVATE Auctions for PUBLIC NameSpaces. At some point, ICANN will end up Auctioning the LETTERS of the Alphabet A to Z. ICANN will sell anything they can. ICANN claims they do not sell anything. ICANN clearly sells Franchises to Registrars and Registries. ICANN has raised $350,000,000 in the current sales cycle. The USA FTC Franchise Test has THREE components: 1. Does the Franchisee use the Franchisor LOGO and BRAND ? 2. Does the Franchisee PAY the Franchisor any FEES ? 3. Does the Franchisor CONTROL the Franchisee ? ICANN clearly meets ALL Three of the USA FTC Franchise Test components. PRIVATE Franchisor ICANN does NOT file or provide the required UFOC documents to potential Franchisees. ICANN now calls the $350,000,000 "Funds Under Management". One may be lead to believe ICANN is now an Investment Company. Volume ICANN "Investors" in NEW Top Level Domains come primarily from The Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands. ICANN claims in court filings that ICANN is not licensed to do business in States such as Texas. ICANN has moved [one of] their Headquarters to TURKEY. TURKEY now censors Twitter and YouTUBE by controlling GOOGLE DNS. 8.8.8.8 ICANN is now the subject of US Congressional Hearings set to begin in Washington D.C. in April 2014. The USA NTIA {Department of Commerce} has started to Distance Themselves from ICANN with a March 14, 2014 announcement. 3.14.14 The USA NTIA {Department of Commerce} is building a NEW $7B Internet called FirstNET without using the Multi-Stakeholder Model. The ICANN Multi-Stakeholder Process allows ANYONE (without Engineering training) to design YOUR modern data and telecom systems. The USA FTC {Federal Trade Commission} issued formal WARNINGS to the General Public about ICANN. ICANN ignored them. The ELECTED US Congress and the ELECTED President of the United States have the power to end the ICANN Regime in the United States. ICANN claims to be part of the Internet Governance systems - ELECTIONS are not held at ICANN because "The Wrong People Might Get Elected" ICANN claims that Elections can not be held because ICANN has NO Shareholders [Stakeholders] yet ICANN is Multi-Stakeholder At ICANN Meetings - IF YOU are NOT at the TABLE - YOU are probably on THEIR MENU. -- 3DNB - Real Banking for Your VIRTUAL Worlds http://3DNB.COM Login: ZOOM Password: BOX @Techno_CAT_r http://Twitter.com/Techno_CAT_r From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Wed Mar 19 13:32:25 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina Rossini) Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 13:32:25 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Re: Republicans Uneasy About ICANN Decision, Schedule Hearing In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-326087A1.pdf On Wed, Mar 19, 2014 at 1:25 PM, Carolina Rossini < carolina.rossini at gmail.com> wrote: > Republicans Uneasy About ICANN Decision, Schedule Hearing > > March 18, 2014, 5:14 PM PDT > > By Amy SchatzAs expected, Republicans are starting > to > fret somewhat > over the Obama administration'sannouncement > late Friday that the U.S. plans to give up oversight of ICANN, the > Internet management body, in 2015. Conservatives have argued in the past > that the U.S. needs to protect what control it has over the Internet and > keep countries like China and Russia, which limit what citizens can see > online, from making oversight decisions. House Energy and Commerce > Republicans said Tuesday > they'll "conduct aggressive oversight" over the decision and plan to hold a > hearing in early April. > > -- > *Carolina Rossini* > *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* > Open Technology Institute > *New America Foundation* > // > http://carolinarossini.net/ > + 1 6176979389 > *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* > skype: carolrossini > @carolinarossini > > -- *Carolina Rossini* *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* Open Technology Institute *New America Foundation* // http://carolinarossini.net/ + 1 6176979389 *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* skype: carolrossini @carolinarossini -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ajp at glocom.ac.jp Mon Mar 31 01:32:07 2014 From: ajp at glocom.ac.jp (Adam Peake) Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 14:32:07 +0900 Subject: [bestbits] Fwd: [Rigf_discuss] [Deadline: 9 Apr] APrIGF Delhi 2014 - Call for Workshop Proposals! References: Message-ID: <0A863864-2CC8-451F-BF03-25D0FEB0C1FE@glocom.ac.jp> Begin forwarded message: > From: APrIGF Secretariat > Date: March 31, 2014 2:22:37 PM GMT+09:00 > To: discuss at aprigf.asia > Subject: [Rigf_discuss] [Deadline: 9 Apr] APrIGF Delhi 2014 - Call for Workshop Proposals! > > Call for Workshops > Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum > APrIGF Delhi 2014, India > 3-6 Aug 2014 > www.aprigf.asia > > Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) has been held annually since 2010. The Forum serves as a platform for aggregating IGF related discussions and collaborations at the regional level, and ultimately advances the development of Internet governance in the Asia Pacific. APrIGF 2014 will be co-hosted by Internet Service Providers Association of India (ISPAI) and National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI). > > The APrIGF Multi-stakeholder Steering Group (MSG) now calls for your participation in developing the Forum agenda in an open process by submitting workshop proposals or topics of interest based on the main theme: Internet to Equinet - An Equitable Internet for the Next Billion! > > Send your workshop proposals of not more than 500 words with the below format to proposals at aprigf.asia. > Title of the Workshop > Thematic area of interest > Specific Issues of Discussions & Description > Expected format and Target panel members > Full name, affiliation and contact details of the workshop organizer > Each workshop will be 90 minutes including Q&A and should present the proposed issue in an inclusive manner, incorporating a multi-stakeholder perspective with a balance of stakeholders and gender in the panel. > > The deadline for submission is 9 April 2014 (Wed) 23:59 UTC. > > If you are interested to follow any news and updates about APrIGF and discuss relevant issues, you may subscribe to the mailing list discuss at aprigf.asia by sending in subscription request. > > We also welcome any Internet-related organisation to become a supporting organisation or sponsor. Please contact sec at aprigf.asia for more information. > > Secretariat of APrIGF > DotAsia Organisation Ltd. > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Rigf_discuss mailing list > Rigf_discuss at web2.dotasia.org > https://mailman.dotasia.org/mailman/listinfo/rigf_discuss -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From valeriab at apc.org Wed Mar 26 18:36:04 2014 From: valeriab at apc.org (Valeria Betancourt) Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 17:36:04 -0500 Subject: [bestbits] APC commends Brazil's historic step towards a Civil Rights Framework for the Internet Message-ID: <307923DF-9907-46A4-B260-917287BBE455@apc.org> Dear all, Sharing with you all APC’s reaction to the approval of the Civil Rights Framework at the Chamber of Deputies in Brazil yesterday. Congratulations to those of you involved in this struggle! Best, Valeria ------------------- *APC commends Brazil's historic step towards a Civil Rights Framework for the Internet* http://www.apc.org/en/node/19112 The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) congratulates the Brazilian people on the adoption by the Chamber of Deputies (it has yet to be approved by the Senate) of the Marco Civil da Internet (Civil Rights Framework for the Internet) on 25 March 2014: the outcome of a four-year-long, inclusive consultation process in which civil society played a leading role. Although the final, adopted version includes changes to the original text which is of some concern to civil society, the overriding response to the framework is positive. The Marco Civil states that net neutrality should be guaranteed in Brazil. This is a major victory at a time when this fundamental aspect of an open and inclusive internet has become harder to define, and is frequently challenged (most recently, in the United States). Other commendable provisions include protection of user privacy and limits to the liability of internet intermediaries (service providers) who, other than in cases of copyright infringement – a controversial provision that is still under debate – will require court orders to remove specific content. What is most important about the Marco Civil is that, as its name implies, its core principle is the protection of civil rights, as opposed to market imperatives or governmental interests. Its rights-based and principled approach to regulation, underscoring freedom of expression, privacy and open standards, represents a watershed in the movement to advance a rights-based agenda in internet policy. “The Marco Civil demonstrates that actors from government, business, civil society, the technical community, consumer groups and academics can come together and produce a policy framework that puts the public interest at its centre,” said Anriette Esterhuysen, APC’s executive director. “No doubt there are aspects in its provisions that some interest groups would want to change, but overall it proves that multi-stakeholder policy development can work; that new, more transparent, more inclusive processes that give non-governmental actors greater voice can produce powerful and positive results – positive from the perspective of maintaining the internet as a fair and open platform for all its users,” she concluded. The passing of this law occurs against the backdrop of preparations for NetMundial, a global meeting on the future of internet governance convened by the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee and 1Net on 23 and 24 April 2014. APC’s policy manager, Valeria Betancourt, remarked that the timing could be crucial. “By creating a legislative instrument that promotes, respects and defends human rights online, the approval of the Marco Civil da Internet by the Chamber of Deputies sets a significant precedent that cannot be ignored by internet governance discussions in the Latin American region and elsewhere,” she said. “It should serve to convince participants in NetMundial that agreeing on principles for internet governance, and putting the public interest and human rights at the core of those principles, is possible, and that having such an agreement in place can facilitate greater balance and ‘health’ in the internet governance ecosystem,” she added. *About APC* The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) is an international network and non-profit organisation founded in 1990 that wants everyone to have access to a free and open internet to improve lives and create a more just world. Since its formation in 1990 the APC network and its members have been committed to achieving universal and affordable access to a free and open internet. ------------- Valeria Betancourt Directora / Manager Programa de Políticas de Information y Comunicación / Communication and Information Policy Programme Asociación para el Progreso de las Comunicaciones / Association for Progressive Communications, APC http://www.apc.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From carolina.rossini at gmail.com Wed Mar 26 14:25:03 2014 From: carolina.rossini at gmail.com (Carolina Rossini) Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 14:25:03 -0400 Subject: [bestbits] Marco Civil in English Message-ID: Dear all, (sorry for cross-posting) attached I send a draft version in english done by Raquel Gatto from ISOC Brazil. Articles of interest: 3 - principles: I - freedom of expression, II - privacy protection, III - protection of personal data, IV - NN, V - preservation of security, stability and functionality of the network, VI - liability of actors, VII - preservation of the participate nature of the internet, VII - freedoms for business models - which telcos have already commented on in a press release saying this is freedom of consumer choice and is related to different prices for speeds and services) 7 and 8 - good articles regulating and protecting freedom of expression and privacy 9 - NN 11 - they took out mandate to nationalize databases and now the article say when the Brazilian law is applicable (jurisdiction was always the main issue here) 13 - log retention for 1 year by the access provider 15 - log retention for 6 months by the application provider 18, 19 and 20 - take down of content with judicial order and ISP liability just after that 21 - ISP subsidiary liability related to publication of private content with nudity (a result of a outcry related to the of a couple of teenagers in Brazil ) Best (and thank you Raquel!) C -- *Carolina Rossini* *Project Director, Latin America Resource Center* Open Technology Institute *New America Foundation* // http://carolinarossini.net/ + 1 6176979389 *carolina.rossini at gmail.com* skype: carolrossini @carolinarossini -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From fouadbajwa at gmail.com Thu Mar 20 08:23:03 2014 From: fouadbajwa at gmail.com (Fouad Bajwa) Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 17:23:03 +0500 Subject: [bestbits] Fwd: ICANN News Alert -- Audio Files, Transcripts from Community Calls with ICANN Board Chair and CEO Message-ID: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: ICANN Date: Thu, Mar 20, 2014 at 11:48 AM Subject: ICANN News Alert -- Audio Files, Transcripts from Community Calls with ICANN Board Chair and CEO [http://www.icann.org/images/gradlogo_bow.jpg] News Alert http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-19mar14-en.htm ________________________________ Audio Files, Transcripts from Community Calls with ICANN Board Chair and CEO 19 March 2014 Were you unable to join the community call with ICANN Board Chair Steve Crocker and ICANN President and CEO Fadi Chehadé on Saturday? Don't worry that you missed out, because an audio file and transcript is available online now. Just under 300 ICANN community members and staff joined the quickly-scheduled call at 14:00 UTC on Saturday, 15 March to learn more about the US government's announcement the day before that it would turn over stewardship of certain Internet technical functions to the global community. "It's been a long path leading to [this day]," Crocker said. "And it will be a long path from here. To borrow words from Churchill, this is the 'end of the beginning.'" "This is a moment to celebrate," Chehadé said. "Unfortunately, we have to move very quickly into the responsibility this entails. This decision puts us now in an important light. The entire world is watching. We must engage everyone." The community call was scheduled with short notice, due to the unexpected release of the announcement ahead of schedule. Audio File [MP3, 14.0 MB] Transcript [PDF, 172 KB] -- Regards. -------------------------- Fouad Bajwa ICT4D and Internet Governance Advisor My Blog: Internet's Governance: http://internetsgovernance.blogspot.com/ Follow my Tweets: http://twitter.com/fouadbajwa