- Freedom of Internet On the Line
- By Google
- 04/12/2012 Make a Comment (2)
- Contributed by: Admin ( 9 articles in 2012 )
What's at stake?
A free and open world depends on a free and open Internet.
The Internet empowers everyone — anyone can speak, create, learn, and share. It is controlled by no one — no single organization, individual, or government. It connects the world. Today, more than two billion people are online — about a third of the planet.
But not all governments support the free and open Internet.
There is a growing backlash on Internet freedom. Forty-two countries filter and censor content. In just the last two years, governments have enacted 19 new laws threatening online free expression.
Some of these governments are trying to use a closed-door meeting in December(3rd) to regulate the Internet.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is bringing together regulators from around the world to re-negotiate a decades-old communications treaty.
Proposed changes to the treaty could increase censorship and threaten innovation.
Some proposals could permit governments to censor legitimate speech — or even allow them to cut off Internet access.
Other proposals would require services like YouTube, Facebook, and Skype to pay new tolls in order to reach people across borders. This could limit access to information — particularly in emerging markets.
The ITU is the wrong place to make decisions about the future of the Internet.
Only governments have a voice at the ITU. This includes governments that do not support a free and open Internet. Engineers, companies, and people that build and use the web have no vote.
The ITU is also secretive. The treaty conference and proposals are confidential.
Internet policy should work like the Internet — open and inclusive.
Governments alone should not determine the future of the Internet. The billions of people around the globe that use the Internet, and the experts that build and maintain it, should be included.
For example, at the Internet Governance Forum, anyone can attend and anyone can speak — a government official has the same influence as an individual.
The Internet empowers everyone — anyone can speak, create, learn, and share. It is controlled by no one — no single organization, individual, or government. It connects the world. Today, more than two billion people are online — about a third of the planet.
But not all governments support the free and open Internet.
There is a growing backlash on Internet freedom. Forty-two countries filter and censor content. In just the last two years, governments have enacted 19 new laws threatening online free expression.
Some of these governments are trying to use a closed-door meeting in December(3rd) to regulate the Internet.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is bringing together regulators from around the world to re-negotiate a decades-old communications treaty.
Proposed changes to the treaty could increase censorship and threaten innovation.
Some proposals could permit governments to censor legitimate speech — or even allow them to cut off Internet access.
Other proposals would require services like YouTube, Facebook, and Skype to pay new tolls in order to reach people across borders. This could limit access to information — particularly in emerging markets.
The ITU is the wrong place to make decisions about the future of the Internet.
Only governments have a voice at the ITU. This includes governments that do not support a free and open Internet. Engineers, companies, and people that build and use the web have no vote.
The ITU is also secretive. The treaty conference and proposals are confidential.
Internet policy should work like the Internet — open and inclusive.
Governments alone should not determine the future of the Internet. The billions of people around the globe that use the Internet, and the experts that build and maintain it, should be included.
For example, at the Internet Governance Forum, anyone can attend and anyone can speak — a government official has the same influence as an individual.
Source: https://www.google.com.au/intl/en/takeaction/whats-at-stake/
Where was my invitation and pre-paid airfare so I could personally attend, casting my vote and voicing my opinion about such an important freedom in my environment that affects me!
Of course, there was none.
Because simply, our masters and governments think we don't count, as has been the case for thousands of years.
Well, I wonder who really controls the 89 countries?
I suspect the same people. The 55 countries are no doubt those who have got their heads screwed on properly.
MAY GOD BLESS ALL THOSE WHO STAND TALL for LOVE, PEACE & an OPEN & FREE INTERNET!!!!
Hi F4j australia,
Over the past few weeks, you stood with millions (http://www.google.com/appserve/mkt/30IeKE77oZ9VnmK1b7jCKD>) from all corners of the world who took action in support of a free and open Internet. Your voice was heard.
Some governments sought to use the recent meeting of the International Telecommunication Union in Dubai to increase censorship and regulation of the Internet. At the conclusion of the meeting last Friday, 89 countries signed the treaty, while 55 countries said they would not sign or that additional review was needed. We stand with the countries that refused to sign, and we stand with you.
We we want to thank you for your actions over the past few weeks. Your voice helped shine a light on a process that would otherwise have been in the dark, and you helped bring the issue of Internet freedom to global prominence.
With your support, we can continue to help ensure that governments alone do not direct the future of the Internet. Thank you.
Until next time,
Vint Cerf
Google
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