2024 11 15 Montpellier Session 4 internet governance

Page 1

  • Topic: Internet Governance

  • Presenter: Marie-Emmanuelle Haas, Avocate, Paris Bar

  • Date: November 15, 2024

  • Accreditation: AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS accredited

Page 2 - Definition of The Internet

  • Definition: A large system of interconnected computers worldwide for sharing information and communication.

  • Comprises interconnected networks operated by service providers.

  • Open Standards: Enable communication between networks, including:

    • TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) / IP (Internet Protocol)

    • HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

Page 3 - Historical Background

  • Origin: 1960s, amid the Cold War, initiated by the U.S. Defense Department to maintain communication post-nuclear attack.

  • Engineers and scientists conceptualized it as a star network for resilient connectivity.

Page 4 - Key Developments

  • January 1, 1983: TCP/IP protocol established, allowing diverse computer networks to connect.

  • 1986: Jon Postel developed the Domain Name System (DNS) to link domain names to IP addresses.

    • IP Address: Unique identifier for computers on a network.

  • IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) was founded to manage top-level domains.

Page 5 - Further Innovations

  • 1989: Tim Berners-Lee created HTTP, leading to the World Wide Web at CERN, facilitating file transfer and document sharing.

Page 6 - WTO and Digital Trade

  • Digital technologies in trade create opportunities and risks; international organizations help establish regulatory frameworks.

Page 7 - ICANN Overview

  • ICANN: Established in 1989 as a nonprofit to manage Internet identifiers.

  • Role includes ensuring stable operation of the domain name system, advocating for transparency and non-discriminatory treatment.

Page 8 - GAC Advisory Role

  • The Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) was created in 1999 to advise ICANN on public policy regarding the domain name system.

  • Benefits include early contribution to policy development and access to expertise in the domain.

Page 9 - Players in Internet Governance

  • Various stakeholders involved: Governments, RIRs (Regional Internet Registries), telecom operators, registrars, and internet providers.

  • Different legal and regulatory models apply to internet governance, reflecting national contexts.

Page 10 - Critical Uses of the Internet

  • Serves vital roles in commerce, education, health, social interaction, and entertainment.

  • Recognized as a critical resource requiring reliable infrastructure and ICANN oversight.

Page 11 - Multistakeholder Approach

  • Definition: Collaboration between individuals, organizations, institutions, and governments to address common Internet issues.

    • Focus on sharing ideas and developing consensus on policies.

Page 12 - Internet Governance Forum (IGF)

  • IGF: A global multistakeholder platform for discussing internet policy issues, initiated by the UN in 2005, aiming to include all stakeholders equally.

Page 13 - Key Issues in Internet Governance

  • Challenges include openness, security, diversity, access, and human rights. Issues such as the digital divide and trust are also central.

Page 14 - WSIS and the Digital Divide

  • WSIS: Initiated in Geneva in 2003 by the UN to address the digital divide for developing nations.

  • Emphasis on responsible digital tool usage and personal data management.

Page 15 - EU Review of Internet Governance

  • The Commission is consulting for WSIS+20, with tensions surrounding the multistakeholder model and calls for state control over internet governance.

Page 16

  • Closing remarks.

  • Acknowledgement: AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS accredited.