[governance] Knowledge Commons statement on NetMundial Outcome Document (leaked by Wikileaks)

[Rishab Bailey]

Dear All,

You may have seen that Wikileaks released the first draft of the NetMundial
outcome document earlier today.

Please find appended below, a response from Knowledge Commons which can
also be viewed on our website at
http://www.knowledgecommons.in/brasil/?page_id=214.

Regards,
Rishab

--------

*Knowledge Commons Statement on Draft NetMundial document leaked by
Wikileaks*

*8 April 2014*



Knowledge Commons has carefully examined the text on the Wikileaks
website<https://wikileaks.org/netmundial-outcome/#efmEr-E0c>that
purports to be the first iteration of the outcome document for
NetMundial.



Given we have read and analyzed all of the 187 submissions to NetMundial, we
believe that the leaked document generally reflects the inputs
received. Further,
Knowledge Commons makes the following observations and recommendations:



First, the document recognises the Internet as a 'universal global
resource' [in Section 1. Internet Infrastructure]. Knowledge Commons
believes that the Internet has become more than a resource, it is a public
good and global commons upon which trade, media, education, health and
government systems rely.



Second, the document appropriately emphasizes the need for reform to
democratize the multistakeholder system, acknowledging that decisions are
taken without meaningful participation and in the absence of geographic and
gender balance [in Section 2. Roadmap for the future evolution of
Internet Governance]. Knowledge Commons believes there would be greater
utility in clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of various
stakeholders and specifying the elements of a minimum standard set of
guidelines, operating procedures, or the identification of an entity to
elaborate these modalities for multistakeholder fora.


Third, Knowledge Commons strongly welcomes the call for new international
agreements on cyber weapons development and deployment [in Section 2.
Issues dealing with specific Internet governance topics]. As more and more
critical infrastructure resources around the world are maintained and
operated through digital mechanisms, ensuring the security of these
installations from targeted attacks is critical.  Such an agreement is the
core business of governments. . A multilateral agreement ensuring cyber
peace and de-militarising the Internet is essential if we are not to see
the Balkanisation of the Internet.



Fourth, the document acknowledges that changes to the IANA function need to
take place through discussion rather than announcement and
that such discussion is still to take place [in Section 2. Issues dealing
with Institutional Improvements].  Knowledge Commons notes that
ICANN, which should be an independent entity immune from any jurisdiction,
will be charged with the process, but given the document also acknowledges
the current flaws in participation and decision making processes, believes
that improved modalities and minimum standards should be applied in this
discussion and decision making process.


Fifth, the document condemns mass surveillance for undermining trust in the
Internet. [in Section 2. Issues dealing with Institutional Improvements].
Knowledge Commons believes that democracy itself has been damaged and so
too has diplomacy. The NetMundial should be calling for the cessation of
the practices of the 5 Eyes countries that violate sovereignty of states
and the human rights of citizens.  While some countries may unilaterally
declare such practices and the operation of secret courts lawful, the
NetMundial meeting should more strongly resist the wholesale disregard for
human rights including by ensuring that permissible derogation is
proportionate and necessary.
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