Google takes on the International Telecommunications Union
In today’s New York Times, Google’s chief internet evangelist, Vinton Cerf, breathes fire on the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). He argues that authoritarian governments, with Russia playing a lead role, plan on using the venerable United Nations body to stifle internet freedom: [The ITU] is conducting a review of the international agreements governing telecommunications and ...
In today's New York Times, Google's chief internet evangelist, Vinton Cerf, breathes fire on the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). He argues that authoritarian governments, with Russia playing a lead role, plan on using the venerable United Nations body to stifle internet freedom:
In today’s New York Times, Google’s chief internet evangelist, Vinton Cerf, breathes fire on the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). He argues that authoritarian governments, with Russia playing a lead role, plan on using the venerable United Nations body to stifle internet freedom:
[The ITU] is conducting a review of the international agreements governing telecommunications and aims to expand its regulatory authority to the Internet at a summit scheduled for December in Dubai.
Such a move holds potentially profound — and I believe potentially hazardous — implications for the future of the Internet and all of its users.
At present, the I.T.U. focuses on telecommunication networks and on radio frequency allocations rather than the Internet per se. Some members are aiming to expand the agency’s treaty scope to include Internet regulation. Each of the 193 members gets a vote, no matter its record on fundamental rights — and a simple majority suffices to effect change. Negotiations are held largely among governments, with very limited access for civil society or other observers.
David Bosco is a professor at Indiana University’s Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies. He is the author of The Poseidon Project: The Struggle to Govern the World’s Oceans. Twitter: @multilateralist
More from Foreign Policy
Can Russia Get Used to Being China’s Little Brother?
The power dynamic between Beijing and Moscow has switched dramatically.
Xi and Putin Have the Most Consequential Undeclared Alliance in the World
It’s become more important than Washington’s official alliances today.
It’s a New Great Game. Again.
Across Central Asia, Russia’s brand is tainted by Ukraine, China’s got challenges, and Washington senses another opening.
Iraqi Kurdistan’s House of Cards Is Collapsing
The region once seemed a bright spot in the disorder unleashed by U.S. regime change. Today, things look bleak.
Sign up for World Brief
FP’s flagship evening newsletter guiding you through the most important world stories of the day. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.
