Controlling The Internet

"The uniquer nature of the Internet - free from government control and governed by multiple stakeholders - has unleashed unprecedented entrepreneurialism, creativity, innovation and freedom far beyond imagination.
"Preserving a free Internet for all people is essential to the preservation of political and economic liberty."
Michael Beckerman, CEO, Washington-based The Internet Association

The World Conference on International Telecommunications has met and concluded in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  The presence of representatives of 193 nations revealed a deep ideological divide with envoys discussing global telecom codes and potential changes to them.  Disagreements between two blocs emerged; one led by the West, including the U.S. Britain, Canada and several European nations, refused to sign the new treaty.

The predominating group including China, Russia, Gulf Arab states, African nations and a veritable host of others gave strong impetus to United Nations support for governmental control over Internet affairs.  Fundamentally, they also chafe at the domination of the Internet by the West, a situation they want addressed and redressed. 

It is no anomaly that those countries agitating for government control are the same countries that control their news media and where news reporters and journalists are known to be vulnerable to repression and far worse.  These are the same groups, by and large, that have been working within the United Nations to make certain communications and expressions illegal; primarily those critical of religion.

The disagreements between the two blocs were primarily related to whether the International Telecommunication Union should be granted jurisdiction over Internet colossi like Google; whether the organization should involved with cybersecurity.  The West expressed its uneasiness at the prospect of UN rules imposed to stifle Web commerce, surrehder it to increasing restrictions, and worst, result in authoritarian regimes monitoring and clamping down on content.

"No single organization or government should attempt to control the Internet or dictate its future development.  We are resolute on this.  Internet policy should not be determined by member states, but by citizens, communities and broader society -- the private sector and civil society.  That has not happened here."
U.S. Ambassador Terry Kramer

Greater government control over the Internet and UN backing for increased state authority over content and commerce would certainly stifle the very open and free nature of the Internet.  Unsurprisingly, conference host country United Arab Emirates had brought in stricter Internet laws the month before the conference outlawing postings insulting rulers or calling for protests.

The Iranian delegate at the talks claimed it to be time for a more "balanced approach" between the 'needs of nations' and the Internet's open-border reach.  Just as these regimes control their internal media, they have a deep wish to control the international communications highway, a reflection of their overall and broader agenda of control and repression.

The very democratic nature of the Internet is offensive to the values of these autocratic regimes.

And the forum of the United Nations is, as always, their willing, eager, even obsequious servant.