We take the internet for granted. But there are forces out there - both governmental and corporate - who would rather see either of them "control" the internet rather than you and me, the people.
In fact there is a conference underway right now where the very issue is a pivotal discussion point.
Photo credited to Shutterstock.com/amasterphotographer
"The Government, Corporations or the People -- Who Should Control the Internet?
That question rests uneasily at the center of debates this week at the World Conference on International Telecommunications in Dubai.
The 12-day wonkfest has brought together representatives from more than 150 U.N. member states to craft global rules for the Internet. And that's where the trouble begins.
For many at the conference, the working assumption is that governments should control the digital network. They've reached this conclusion without asking any of the billions of Internet users who might think otherwise. Nor have they sought the advice of the many civil society groups that are helping to building a grassroots Internet freedom movement with global reach.
This idea of control is reflected in a Russian proposal , leaked by conference delegates late last week, which would give governments the power to reprogram Internet addresses and block dissident websites. Thus far, Russia has gathered the support of China, Saudi Arabia and other repressive regimes but has yet to submit it for consideration by all conference attendees.
Governments aren't alone in seeking broader authority over the Internet. Many corporations see themselves as the Internet's masters, too."
Continue reading here.
Also see this piece, here, in The New York Times on the latest from the conference.
In fact there is a conference underway right now where the very issue is a pivotal discussion point.
Photo credited to Shutterstock.com/amasterphotographer
"The Government, Corporations or the People -- Who Should Control the Internet?
That question rests uneasily at the center of debates this week at the World Conference on International Telecommunications in Dubai.
The 12-day wonkfest has brought together representatives from more than 150 U.N. member states to craft global rules for the Internet. And that's where the trouble begins.
For many at the conference, the working assumption is that governments should control the digital network. They've reached this conclusion without asking any of the billions of Internet users who might think otherwise. Nor have they sought the advice of the many civil society groups that are helping to building a grassroots Internet freedom movement with global reach.
This idea of control is reflected in a Russian proposal , leaked by conference delegates late last week, which would give governments the power to reprogram Internet addresses and block dissident websites. Thus far, Russia has gathered the support of China, Saudi Arabia and other repressive regimes but has yet to submit it for consideration by all conference attendees.
Governments aren't alone in seeking broader authority over the Internet. Many corporations see themselves as the Internet's masters, too."
Continue reading here.
Also see this piece, here, in The New York Times on the latest from the conference.
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