[governance] Revised version of statement on themes for Nairobi

[Fouad Bajwa]

While we seek consensus on finalization of this statement, I would
also like to put forward the need to suggest sub-topics and certain
details to these sub-topics so that they can be deliberated at the MAG
meeting. The MAG requires topics to be discussed and/or debated before
seeking consensus from members to be finalized. If that groundwork is
available, it would add great value to this effort and achieving some
significant results.

-- Fouad

On Wed, Jan 26, 2011 at 6:37 AM, Jeremy Malcolm <jeremy at ciroap.org> wrote:
> Without wanting to distract attention from Marilia's important threads on
> the CSTD, here is a revised version of the statement on themes for Nairobi.
>  I think we can see the merits of both "open Internet"  and "network
> neutrality", so I think the only way to satisfy everyone is to use both
> phrases, which I now have.  I've also added the fourth theme on A2K, since
> there seems to be a feeling that we should do that; I used Ian's more
> succinct wording which is in line with the others.  In case anyone thinks
> that we should correspondingly de-emphasise A2K in the other themes let me
> know - but I haven't touched them for now.
> This can go to a consensus call on the weekend if everyone is happy now.
> 1. Open Internet - Network Neutrality on Wired and Mobile Networks
> Open Internet (or Network Neutrality) describes an ideal in which the
> openness of the Internet to the broadest possible range of commercial and
> non-commercial content, applications and services is maintained.  An open
> Internet is one that supports development, promotes Access to Knowledge, and
> resists perpetuating the power of old media and telecommunications empires
> on the new network.
>
> With the explosion of Internet usage in the developing world mainly
> occurring on mobile networks, it is particularly important to consider how
> the ideal of open Internet will apply in the mobile space.  Should different
> rules apply for mobile and wired Internet networks?  If so, how can
> communications rights and Access to Knowledge be preserved for those
> users, in order to avoid an ongoing information divide?
>
> In proposing this topic for the Nairobi IGF, we want to particularly ensure
> that it does not shy away from areas of disagreement.  Only by including
> panelists with divergent views on this topic can the very real and practical
> Internet governance disputes in this area be adequately and productively
> aired.
>
> 2. Cross border Issues
> One of the oldest and thorniest issues for Internet governance concerns the
> cross-border effects of national laws, policies, enforcement practices, and
> the actions of intermediaries, on those who have had no representation in
> the making of those laws, policies, etc.  Current examples include actions
> taken by governments and intermediaries against Wikileaks, and the “seizure”
> of domain names alleged to be connected with content piracy.
>
> The process towards enhanced cooperation on Internet policy issues could
> lead to new proposals that would address some of these cross-border
> anomalies and deficits.  But at this stage of that process, there is little
> shared understanding of the approach that should be taken.  This session
> will look at the philosophical underpinnings and foundations that need
> to emerge in a world where something like the Internet transcends boundaries
> and national jurisdictions.  Insights produced through this session may feed
> into the enhanced coperation process.
>
> Once again, it will be important for discussion of this topic to involve
> stakeholders with diverging views, discussing concrete issues that demand
> eventual resolution.
>
> 3. Development agenda for Internet governance
> Internet governance is not a neutral activity. All Internet governance
> decisions have implications for development, though in some cases these
> implications may be less obvious than in others, and they are easily
> overlooked.
>
> An example is the way in which decisions about such diverse issues as new
> global top level domains (gTLDs), Unicode, IP enforcement, filtering and
> censorship, may have an adverse and sometimes unforeseen impact on Access to
> Knowledge in the developing world.
>
> We propose a main session theme on developing a development agenda for
> Internet governance, building on the similar session in Vilnius.  This
> session will help to draw out areas of Internet governance which have
> significant impacts on development, and to suggest how development concerns
> can be mainstreamed in Internet governance institutions that
> have responsibility in these areas.
> 4. Access to knowledge
> Access to knowledge is part of the great promise of the Internet in aiding
> development, education and culture both within and between countries.
>
> However, new  international standards require countries to increase the
> level and  territorial extent of intellectual property rights. This trend
> has  developmental impacts, as countries become less free to support open
> platforms  for learning, innovating, sharing and producing, while
> being required to raise  the amount spent on knowledge-based inputs.
>
> Rather than substantive law harmonization, international IP norm-setting is
>  now promoting an enforcement agenda, an increasingly punitive response to
>  counterfeiting and piracy now being discussed in many national and
>  international institutions. Often this puts  Internet Service Providers in
> the position of an “Internet police”, with the role to oversight  internet
> users.
>
> Governance  of knowledge and Internet governance become deeply intertwined
> in the context  of an information society. The debate of this theme in a
> multistakeholder  forum, such as the IGF, would help to reach a more round
> understanding about  the impacts of this agenda on  issues such as access to
> knowledge, and the ability to innovate online.
>
> --
>
> Jeremy Malcolm
> Project Coordinator
> Consumers International
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-- 
Regards.
--------------------------
Fouad Bajwa
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