[governance] hearing on Internet Governance arrangements in

Tue Apr 28 05:25:16 EDT 2009

Hello Jeanette Hoffman,

The themes for discussion states Security and Stability as a priority and
the theme description on Security and Stability is 'leading' ( like a
'leading' question that prompts a desired response). Security and Stability
are emphasized, but Privacy is nowhere in view.

The theme description on "The Role of Public Authorities" is emphatic as
well. I couldn't miss the implication of the question "should
self-regulation for critical infrastructures and services be more closely
monitored by governments and relevant public authorities?" And in the same
passage hints at a possible conclusion "private sector leadership and
stronger governmental and public policy making complementary and necessary"

The theme description on Accountability and Legitimacy points out that "many
Internet users do not participate, even indirectly, in the governance
processes" and in the context of the emphasis on security, role of public
authorities, private sector leadership, I would take this as an inclination
to belittle the users and users' representative groups.

Inclusion of "internationalization of Internet Governance" and "Digital
Divide", including the question "Should the interests of those who don’t yet
have Internet access be represented in the policy making processes and, if
so, how?"  are very positive.

In the context of the visible mood of the EU to legislate and legislate new
rules and more rules on Internet regulation, I am prone to be a little
cautious about how the hearings would go.

Perhaps the caucus could emphasize that the hearing should redefine its
questions on User participation, independent organizations as also include
and equally emphasize aspects such as Openness,  Privacy and other core
civic values.

Thank you.

Sivasubramanian Muthusamy
http://isocmadras.blogspot.com

On Tue, Apr 28, 2009 at 2:27 PM, Jeanette Hofmann <jeanette at wzb.eu> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> the European Commission hosts a hearing on Internet Governance in Brussels
> on May 6. It is a by invitation only event. I got an invitation but cannot
> attend. Yesterday I was told that we, the IGC, can send somebody else. Would
> anybody be able and willing to go?
>
> We are also invited to contribute a written statement on any of the issues
> on the agenda. Since there is probably not enough time to write and agree on
> a new statement, perhaps it would make sense to contribute slightly amended
> version of one of our statements for the IGF public consultations?
>
> The website for the meeting:
> http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/policy/internet_gov/index_en.htm
>
>
> I post the agenda here because it seems to be missing on the website:
>
> Hearing on Internet Governance arrangements
> 6 May 2009, 10:00 – 17:15
>  Brussels – Charlemagne Building , Room DURI
>
>
> 09:30 Registration & coffee
> 10:00 Introduction by the Commission
> 10.30 WSIS
> 11.15 Security & stability
> 12.00 The role of governments
> 12.45 Round up morning discussion
> 13.00 Lunch
> 14.15 Accountability and legitimacy
> 15.00 Internationalisation of Internet Governance
> 15:45 Coffee break
> 16:00 Digital divide
> 16.45 Round up afternoon discussion
> 17:00 Concluding remarks
>
> ***
> Theme description
> 1.      WSIS: Progress since WSIS- how far are we with the implementation
> of WSIS principles? What are the new challenges, if any, since WSIS that
> should be addressed?
> 2.      Security & stability of the Internet remains a key EU priority.
> What are the main threats/challenges? What should the EU be doing about them
> in particular with a view to their international dimension?
> 3.      The role of public authorities: How should public authorities, in
> particular governments, respond to their responsibilities in view of the
> importance of the Internet to our economies and societies? What lessons, if
> any, should be learnt from the "financial crisis" (e.g. should
> self-regulation for critical infrastructures and services be more closely
> monitored by governments and relevant public authorities)? To what extent
> are private sector leadership and stronger governmental and public policy
> making complementary and necessary components for the effective management
> of the Internet?
> 4.      Accountability and legitimacy: To what extent are self-regulatory
> governance bodies accountable to Internet users world-wide? What problems,
> if any, are posed by the fact that many Internet users do not participate,
> even indirectly, in the governance processes? Is it necessary to make
> governance fora more accountable to the wider international community and,
> if so, how?
> 5.      Internationalisation of Internet Governance: Is it desirable or
> necessary to ensure fair participation of actors in their respective roles
> from all geographic regions in the future shaping of the Internet and if so,
> how? How can situations be avoided where the imposition of a particular
> legal system or jurisdiction might disadvantage players from outside the
> jurisdiction concerned?
> 6.      Digital divide: The future billions of users will come largely from
> developing countries. Should the existing Internet governance mechanisms be
> adapted to reflect this evolution and, if so, how? Should the interests of
> those who don’t yet have Internet access be represented in the policy making
> processes and, if so, how?
>
> jeanette
>
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